Historical Events tagged with "military"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Sri Lankan Army Soldiers Kill 158 Civilians
On September 5, 1990, Sri Lankan Army soldiers conducted a brutal attack that resulted in the deaths of 158 civilians in the village of Kokkadicholai. This event occurred during the ongoing civil strife between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The military operation was part of a broader campaign against Tamil insurgents, yet it resulted in significant civilian casualties, raising concerns about human rights violations. Eyewitness accounts described the scene as chaotic and horrific, with soldiers rounding up villagers and assessing their loyalty to the government under intense scrutiny.
Continue ReadingIraq's Annexation of Kuwait Begins Tensions
Iraq, under the leadership of President Saddam Hussein, launched a military invasion of Kuwait, citing economic grievances and historical claims to Kuwaiti territory. The invasion was swift, with Iraqi forces quickly overwhelming Kuwaiti defenses and declaring the annexation of the small but oil-rich nation. The international community responded with condemnation and the formation of a coalition opposing Iraq's actions, setting the stage for intense geopolitical conflict in the Arabian Gulf region.
Continue ReadingU.S. Military Forces Arrive in Saudi Arabia
The first American soldiers arrived in Saudi Arabia to support Operation Desert Shield, following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. President George H.W. Bush made the decision to send troops to the region, aiming to deter further Iraqi expansion and protect Saudi territory. The deployment marked the beginning of a large-scale military presence in the Middle East, as the U.S. sought to build a coalition to respond to the Iraqi threat. The soldiers disembarked at Dhahran International Airport, a move that set the stage for the Gulf War.
Continue ReadingAirplane Tragedy in the Karabakh Range
A Soviet passenger plane crashed in the Karabakh Range, resulting in the loss of 46 lives. The aircraft, a Yakovlev Yak-40, encountered difficulties soon after takeoff from the regional airport. Most passengers were military personnel returning home, while the cause was later linked to severe weather conditions.
Continue ReadingTragic Suffocation of Illegal Immigrants
In an incident involving the military police of Taiwan, 25 illegal immigrants from mainland China died from suffocation while being repatriated on the fishing vessel Min Ping Yu No. 5540. The military police forced these individuals into sealed holds of the boat, aiming to transport them back to Fujian province. The lack of air and cramped conditions led to a tragic outcome during this enforcement operation.
Continue ReadingMiddlesbrough Customs Seize Gun Barrel for Iraq
Customs officers in Middlesbrough seized a suspected barrel of a large gun from a ship bound for Iraq. The inspection on the vessel raised alarms regarding potential military supplies. This interception occurred amidst international tensions in the region, highlighting the critical role customs officials play in enforcing arms embargoes.
Continue ReadingEnd of Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) concluded its operations in Sri Lanka, marking the end of India's military intervention in the Sri Lankan Civil War. The last ship carrying Indian troops departed, symbolizing India's withdrawal after years of engagement in the conflict. This operation began in 1987 under the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, intended to enforce peace between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The departure was characterized by mixed sentiments among both Sri Lankan and Indian populations.
Continue ReadingSpace Shuttle Atlantis Launches on STS-36
Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on STS-36 from Kennedy Space Center. The mission, primarily focused on deploying a classified payload for the United States Department of Defense, took off at 10:22 a.m. EST. This launch marked the tenth flight of the Atlantis orbiter. It successfully completed its mission and landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on March 4, 1990, after a six-day journey.
Continue ReadingManuel Noriega Surrenders to American Forces
Manuel Noriega, the former leader of Panama, surrendered to American military forces after a lengthy standoff. Following the U.S. invasion aimed at removing him from power, Noriega took refuge in the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Panama City. His surrender marked the end of a significant conflict between his regime and U.S. authorities, who had been critical of his involvement in drug trafficking and human rights abuses.
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