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

Hijacking of Singapore Airlines Flight 117

March 26th, 1991 33 years ago

Four Pakistani terrorists hijacked Singapore Airlines Flight 117, diverting it to Changi Airport in Singapore. The aircraft was on its way to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur when it was commandeered shortly after takeoff. The hijackers demanded the release of fellow militants imprisoned in Pakistan, creating a tense standoff with authorities. Despite the severity of the situation, the hijacking ended without fatalities, showcasing effective negotiation tactics by the Singaporean authorities. The incident raised international awareness regarding aviation security and the challenges posed by terrorism.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Ian Gow by the IRA

July 30th, 1990 34 years ago

Ian Gow, a Conservative Member of Parliament, was assassinated by the IRA at his home using a car bomb. Just prior to the attack, Gow had assured the group that the British government would never yield to their demands, making him a target for retaliatory violence. His death marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland.

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Crime & Law

Avianca Flight 203 Explodes Over Colombia

November 27th, 1989 35 years ago

Avianca Flight 203, operated by a Boeing 727, exploded mid-air near Soacha, Colombia, killing all 107 passengers and crew onboard, as well as three individuals on the ground. The Medellín Cartel claimed responsibility for this deadly attack, marking a significant moment in Colombia's violent drug-related conflicts. The airline was en route from Bogotá to Cali when it was targeted in a premeditated bombing that highlighted the ongoing war between drug cartels and Colombian authorities.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Bombing of UTA Flight 772 in Niger

September 19th, 1989 35 years ago

UTA Flight 772 was destroyed by a bomb while in flight over the Tùnùrù Desert in Niger, resulting in the loss of all 170 passengers and crew on board. The bomb caused a mid-air explosion that led to an immediate descent of the aircraft, which ultimately crashed in the remote desert region. Investigations pointed to a terrorist group being responsible for the attack, marking one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history. This incident drew significant international attention, raising concerns about aviation security and terrorism.

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Crime & Law

Bus 405 Suicide Attack in Israel

July 6th, 1989 35 years ago

A suicide attack on Bus 405 resulted in the deaths of sixteen passengers when a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad seized control of the vehicle, driving it off a cliff in the Jerusalem Hills. This premeditated act caused significant casualties and shocked the nation. The assailant's intent was to inflict mass harm and demonstrate the ongoing conflict in the region, drawing both local and international attention to the motives behind such violent acts.

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Crime & Law

Pan Am Flight 103 Bombing over Lockerbie

December 21st, 1988 36 years ago

A bomb detonated on Pan Am Flight 103 while it was flying over Lockerbie, Scotland. The explosion resulted in the deaths of all 259 passengers and crew on board, as well as 11 individuals on the ground. Investigations revealed that the bomb had been planted in a suitcase, likely linked to a broader geopolitical conflict. This event marked a significant moment in both aviation security and international relations, highlighting vulnerabilities in airport security processes.

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Crime & Law

North Korean Bombing of Korean Air Flight 858

November 29th, 1987 37 years ago

Korean Air Flight 858 was bombed by North Korean agents, resulting in the deaths of all 115 passengers and crew aboard. The aircraft, a Boeing 737, was en route from Baghdad to Seoul, making a stop in Abu Dhabi. Two North Korean agents, Kim Hyun-hui and another operative, planted the bomb disguised in a cigarette package. The explosion occurred over the Andaman Sea, shortly after the plane took off from Abu Dhabi, leading to its tragic descent into the ocean.

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Crime & Law

ETA Bombing at Hipercor Supermarket

June 19th, 1987 37 years ago

A catastrophic bombing at Hipercor supermarket in Barcelona claimed the lives of 21 individuals and left 45 others injured. The Basque separatist group, ETA, carried out the attack, escalating its violent campaign for independence. The bombing created widespread panic, and the emergency response highlighted the vulnerabilities in urban security measures during a time of political turmoil in Spain.

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Military & Warfare

Colombo Car Bombing by Tamil Tigers

April 21st, 1987 37 years ago

A devastating car bomb exploded in Colombo, resulting in the deaths of 106 individuals. The bomb, attributed to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), targeted a busy area in the Sri Lankan capital, causing extensive damage and chaos. This incident was part of the escalating conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE, who fought for an independent Tamil state. The blast not only resulted in significant loss of life but also further intensified the civil strife that had already torn the country apart.

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