Historical Events tagged with "terrorism"

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.

Crime & Law

Pipe Bomb Explosion at Centennial Olympic Park

July 27th, 1996 28 years ago

A pipe bomb exploded in Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, during the 1996 Summer Olympics. The blast occurred amid a large crowd attending a concert, resulting in two deaths and over 100 injuries. This incident marked a significant moment in Olympic history, highlighting security concerns around the games and leading to enhanced security measures at future events. The perpetrator was later identified as Eric Robert Rudolph, who carried out the attack as part of a larger domestic terrorism campaign.

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Military & Warfare

Khobar Towers Attack Kills U.S. Servicemen

June 25th, 1996 28 years ago

A truck bomb exploded outside the Khobar Towers in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, killing 19 U.S. servicemen and injuring hundreds. It targeted American military personnel stationed there, reflecting rising tensions and security challenges in the region during a time of U.S. military involvement in Gulf affairs. The highly organized attack utilized a massive explosive device, showcasing the evolving nature of terrorist tactics.

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Military & Warfare

IRA Truck Bomb Devastates Manchester City Centre

June 15th, 1996 28 years ago

A powerful truck bomb was detonated by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) in Manchester, England, causing extensive damage and injuring approximately 200 people. The attack targeted the city centre, leading to widespread destruction of property and disruption of daily life. The explosion occurred in a bustling area, resulting in significant chaos, as local shops, businesses, and infrastructure were impacted. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, but the event marked one of the most devastating attacks carried out by the IRA on British soil, underscoring the ongoing tensions and conflict between nationalist and unionist factions during this period.

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Politics & Government

Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act Passed

April 24th, 1996 28 years ago

The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act was enacted in response to rising concerns over terrorism in the United States. The law aimed to streamline the process for federal authorities to combat terrorism and included significant changes to the death penalty procedures. It introduced tighter restrictions on habeas corpus petitions and focused on expediting the capital punishment process for individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges. This legislation was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton.

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Crime & Law

The capture of suspected Unabomber Kaczynski

April 3rd, 1996 28 years ago

Theodore Kaczynski, a suspected domestic terrorist known as the Unabomber, was captured at his remote cabin in Montana. He had evaded law enforcement for nearly two decades, launching a nationwide bombing spree that targeted individuals associated with modern technology and industrial society. His arrest was largely facilitated by his brother, who recognized Kaczynski's writing style in a published manifesto. This led to the identification and subsequent capture of Kaczynski as he lived in isolation, under the radar of the FBI.

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Military & Warfare

IRA Ends Ceasefire with Canary Wharf Bombing

February 9th, 1996 29 years ago

The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) announced the end of its 18-month ceasefire and subsequently detonated a large bomb in London's Canary Wharf, resulting in the deaths of two people. This act marked a significant escalation in the conflict over Northern Ireland’s status, intensifying discussions around peace and security in the region.

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Crime & Law

Explosives Truck Attack on Central Bank

January 31st, 1996 29 years ago

A truck laden with explosives crashed into the gates of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, leading to a catastrophic explosion that killed 86 people and injured around 1,400 others. The attack, attributed to the separatist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), aimed to undermine the government's authority and instill fear within the capital, Colombo. The explosion devastated the surrounding area, damaging numerous buildings and financial institutions.

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Military & Warfare

Kizlyar Hostage Crisis by Chechen Separatists

January 9th, 1996 29 years ago

Chechen separatists launched a raid on a helicopter airfield and a civilian hospital in Kizlyar, Dagestan. This attack escalated into a massive hostage crisis, involving thousands of civilians caught in the violence. The operation highlighted the reach of Chechen forces into Russian territory, showcasing the ongoing conflict between Russian federal forces and Chechen separatists seeking independence.

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Crime & Law

Indictment of McVeigh and Nichols for Bombing

August 10th, 1995 29 years ago

Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols were indicted for their roles in the Oklahoma City bombing, a devastating attack on April 19, 1995. The bombing, which targeted the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, resulted in 168 deaths and significant destruction. In a related development, Michael Fortier pleaded guilty in exchange for his cooperation with the authorities, providing vital testimony against his co-conspirators. This indicting marked a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings following one of the deadliest domestic terrorism events in U.S. history.

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