Historical Events tagged with "raid"

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.

Military & Warfare

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's suicide during U.S. raid

October 27th, 2019 5 years ago

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State, killed himself by detonating a suicide vest in a hideout in Barisha, northwestern Syria. During a U.S. military raid aimed at capturing him, he took the lives of himself and his three children. This decisive action occurred as U.S. forces closed in on his location, responding to intelligence indicating his presence in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Tamil Tiger Commandos Attack Anuradhapura Air Force Base

October 22nd, 2007 17 years ago

A group of 21 Tamil Tiger commandos launched a surprise raid on the Anuradhapura Air Force Base in Sri Lanka. The operation resulted in the destruction of eight Sri Lanka Air Force aircraft and ten others being damaged. In the confrontation, all commandos except one died. This attack reflects the escalating conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), also known as the Tamil Tigers.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry

October 16th, 1859 165 years ago

Abolitionist John Brown and his supporters orchestrated a raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry, Virginia. Initially aiming to arm enslaved people for a revolt, Brown's actions sought to ignite a larger uprising against slavery in the United States. The raid began in the early hours, quickly leading to a confrontation with local militia and federal troops. Although intended as a bold move for freedom, the operation quickly unraveled, culminating in Brown's capture and subsequent trial. This event would heighten sectional tensions over slavery.

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Crime & Law

Henry Every's Successful Pirate Raid on Ganj-i-Sawai

September 7th, 1695 329 years ago

Henry Every, a notorious English pirate, orchestrated a highly lucrative raid on the Mughal ship Ganj-i-Sawai in the Indian Ocean, which was sailing from the pilgrimage of Mecca. This event, widely known as one of the most successful pirate raids in history, saw Every and his crew capturing riches worth millions of British pounds. The attack prompted a strong reaction from Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who threatened to prohibit all English trade in his empire in response to the outrage over the raid. The incident marked a significant moment in the tensions between English traders and the Mughal Empire.

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Military & Warfare

Qarmatians Capture and Pillage Basra

August 11th, 923 1101 years ago

The Qarmatian forces of Bahrayn launched a surprise attack on the city of Basra, seizing the opportunity during a period of civil unrest. This audacious military action led to extensive looting and destruction within the city, causing significant disruptions to the local economy and social order. The Qarmatians, driven by a desire to expand their influence and resources, withdrew after plundering the city, leaving a profound impact on the region's stability.

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