Historical Events tagged with "syria"

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.

Accidents & Tragedies

ČSA Flight 540 crashes during landing approach

August 20th, 1975 49 years ago

ČSA Flight 540, a Czechoslovak Airlines aircraft, crashed while on approach to Damascus International Airport in Syria, resulting in the deaths of 126 people on board. The aircraft, carrying primarily Czech citizens, encountered difficulties during its landing procedure. The flight originated from Czechoslovakia and tragically ended in a fiery accident not far from the airport.

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Economics & Industry

OPEC Oil Embargo Targets Supporters of Israel

October 17th, 1973 51 years ago

In response to the Yom Kippur War, OPEC initiated an oil embargo against countries perceived as supporting Israel. This decision significantly affected global oil prices and altered energy policies worldwide. The embargo targeted the United States and several Western nations, leading to energy shortages and economic challenges, resulting in widespread inflation and political turmoil in the affected countries. The action highlighted the geopolitical influence of OPEC and marked a turning point in Middle Eastern relations.

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Military & Warfare

Coordinated Arab Assault on Israel Initiates Conflict

October 6th, 1973 51 years ago

Egypt and Syria launched simultaneous military attacks against Israel, marking the beginning of the Yom Kippur War. The surprise strikes occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, aiming to regain territories lost during the 1967 Six-Day War. Egyptian forces crossed the Suez Canal, while Syrian troops attacked the Golan Heights. This coordinated assault caught Israel off guard, leading to an intense and protracted conflict.

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Military & Warfare

Cease-fire Agreement between Israel and Syria

June 10th, 1967 57 years ago

Following intense military conflict, Israel and Syria reached a cease-fire agreement that effectively ended the Six-Day War. On June 10, 1967, both nations agreed to stop hostilities, marking a significant point in the ongoing Arab-Israeli conflict. This cease-fire brought a halt to fighting and resulted in the Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights, which had strategic significance for both countries. The agreement came after mediated negotiations and pressure from the international community, particularly the United Nations.

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Military & Warfare

Israel Seizes Golan Heights from Syria

June 9th, 1967 57 years ago

Israel captured the strategically vital Golan Heights from Syria during a swift military campaign. The offensive began on June 5, 1967, amidst escalating tensions in the region, and by June 9, Israeli forces had decisively defeated Syrian troops. This area, known for its elevation and agricultural significance, became a key territory in the Israeli-Syrian conflict. The Golan Heights would later serve as a critical buffer zone for Israel, underscoring the military and geopolitical stakes in the region.

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Politics & Government

Salah Jadid's Coup in Syria

February 23rd, 1966 59 years ago

Salah Jadid led a military coup within the Ba'ath Party, successfully ousting General Amin al-Hafiz from his position of power. The coup occurred in Syria, where disturbances in the political landscape had created tensions among Ba'ath party factions. It marked a significant shift in leadership dynamics and solidified the military's influence over the political environment in Syria. The internal strife highlighted the struggle for power within the ruling party and set the stage for further military rule in the country.

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Crime & Law

Eli Cohen Executed in Damascus

May 18th, 1965 59 years ago

Eli Cohen, a Jewish spy for Israel, was hanged in Damascus after being captured by Syrian authorities. He provided crucial intelligence to the Israeli military during the early 1960s. This public execution was carried out swiftly, highlighting the tense relations in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Syria. His actions were part of an espionage campaign aimed at gathering information about Syrian military positions.

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Politics & Government

Ba'ath Party Seizes Power in Syria

March 8th, 1963 62 years ago

On March 8, 1963, the Ba'ath Party launched a coup in Syria, overthrowing the government of President Nazim al-Kudsi. The coup was executed by the military and led by party members who aimed to implement socialist reforms and unite the Arab world. The operation began early in the morning and involved strategic military encirclement of key government buildings. The coup was a response to political instability and rivalry within the Syrian political landscape, reflecting the ideological conflicts of the time.

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Politics & Government

Military Coup Disbands United Arab Republic

September 28th, 1961 63 years ago

A military coup in Damascus terminated the United Arab Republic, a political union between Egypt and Syria. This coup saw the Syrian faction of the union taking charge as tensions between the two nations escalated. The change in leadership was marked by the removal of President Gamal Abdel Nasser's influence in Syria, leading to a decisive separation of the two states that had existed as a unified political entity since 1958. The aftermath reshaped political dynamics in the region.

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