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

Palestine Liberation Front Hijacks MS Achille Lauro

October 7th, 1985 39 years ago

Four armed men from the Palestine Liberation Front hijacked the MS Achille Lauro, a cruise ship, while sailing off the coast of Egypt. The hijackers took control of the ship, which was carrying over 400 passengers and crew members. They demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, leading to a standoff that lasted several days, culminating in the murder of a disabled American passenger, Leon Klinghoffer. The event drew international attention and raised concerns about maritime security and terrorism.

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Crime & Law

Larnaca Yacht Killings Involve PLO Supporters

September 25th, 1985 39 years ago

In Larnaca, three civilians were killed in a violent incident attributed to alleged supporters of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The attack occurred during a time of escalating tensions in the region, as the PLO was actively involved in various conflicts related to the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Eyewitness accounts reported gunfire erupting at the marina, leading to the tragic deaths and igniting debates over security and responsibility in the chaotic landscape of geopolitical strife.

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Crime & Law

Bombing of Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior

July 10th, 1985 39 years ago

In Auckland Harbour, the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior was bombed and sunk by French secret agents from the DGSE. This attack, carried out to prevent Greenpeace from disrupting nuclear tests, resulted in the death of photographer Fernando Pereira, who was onboard. The incident highlighted the lengths governments would go to silence opposition and sparked international outrage.

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Politics & Government

Release of American Hostages from TWA Flight 847

June 30th, 1985 39 years ago

Thirty-nine American hostages from TWA Flight 847 were released in Beirut after being held captive for 17 days. The flight was hijacked on June 14, 1985, by members of the Islamic Jihad Organization, who demanded the release of prisoners held in Israel. Under intense negotiations, the hostages' release represented a significant moment in U.S.-Middle Eastern relations during a tumultuous period marked by political tension and unresolved conflicts in the region.

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Crime & Law

Terrorist Bombings at Narita and Air India Flight

June 23rd, 1985 39 years ago

A terrorist group launched two devastating bomb attacks on June 23, 1985. The first bomb exploded at Narita International Airport near Tokyo, resulting in two fatalities and four injuries. Approximately one hour later, a second bomb detonated aboard Air India Flight 182, leading to the crash of the Boeing 747 into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ireland, killing all 329 passengers and crew members on board. These coordinated incidents underscored the threat of terrorism in aviation and prompted international security reactions.

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Politics & Government

Failed Assassination Attempt on Cleric Fadlallah

March 8th, 1985 40 years ago

An assassination attempt targeting Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah in Beirut led to an explosion that resulted in the deaths of 80 individuals and left around 200 others injured. The attack took place outside a mosque during a period of intense sectarian conflict in Lebanon, raising tensions and fears of escalating violence. Fadlallah, a prominent Shiite cleric, was known for his influence within the community, and the attack was believed to be politically motivated.

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Military & Warfare

Car Bomb Targets U.S. Embassy in Beirut

September 20th, 1984 40 years ago

A car bomb exploded outside the U.S. embassy in Beirut, killing twenty-two people including both Americans and Lebanese. The bombing marked a pivotal moment in the escalating violence within Lebanon during the civil war and highlighted the dangers faced by foreign diplomats in the region. The attack was part of a broader pattern of bombings aimed at foreign interests, causing concern among global powers regarding their presence in Lebanon.

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Politics & Government

Bomb Explodes Inside United States Capitol Building

November 7th, 1983 41 years ago

On November 7, 1983, a bomb detonated inside the United States Capitol, causing significant damage estimated at $250,000. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the explosive device was detonated in the middle of the night when the building was empty. The bombing was attributed to a left-wing group known as the Armed Resistance Unit, which sought to protest U.S. foreign policies. This incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the security of government buildings and escalated concerns about domestic terrorism.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Gulf Air Flight 771 Bombed in Mid-Air

September 23rd, 1983 41 years ago

Gulf Air Flight 771 was destroyed by a bomb while flying over the Persian Gulf, resulting in the deaths of all 112 individuals on board. The aircraft was en route from Bahrain to Karachi when the explosion occurred. Investigations revealed that the bombing was orchestrated by political tensions in the region, likely involving militant groups. This tragic event highlighted security vulnerabilities within airlines operating in conflict-prone countries.

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