What Happened This Year 1987
Historical Events from This Year 1987
ETA Bombing at Hipercor Supermarket
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.
Continue ReadingAeroflot Flight N-528 Crashes in Ukraine
Aeroflot Flight N-528, operated by a Tupolev Tu-134, crashed while attempting to land at Berdiansk Airport. The incident resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, including passengers and crew members. The cause of the crash was attributed to poor weather conditions that hampered visibility, leading to a loss of control during approach. Authorities later conducted an investigation to ascertain further details surrounding the circumstances of the crash.
Continue ReadingFirst Chemical Attack on Civilian Population
Iraqi warplanes attacked the Iranian town of Sardasht with chemical agents, marking the first known instance where a civilian population was specifically targeted with such weapons. The assault severely injured numerous residents, highlighting the brutal tactics employed during the Iran-Iraq War. The use of chemical warfare against civilians drew international condemnation and raised questions about warfare ethics.
Continue ReadingVan Gogh's Le Pont de Trinquetaille Auctioned
Vincent van Gogh's 1888 painting, Le Pont de Trinquetaille, was sold for a remarkable $20.4 million at a London auction, setting a record price for the artist's work at the time. The painting is a vibrant depiction of a bridge in Arles, France, showcasing van Gogh's unique use of color and light. This sale drew significant attention from art collectors and the public alike, reflecting the increasing value of Impressionist artworks in the late 20th century. The buyer's identity was kept secret, which further fueled speculation and interest in the auction.
Continue ReadingLaunch of the First All-Sports Radio Station
WFAN, located in New York City, launched as the first radio station entirely dedicated to sports programming. The station's format aimed to provide 24/7 sports news, commentary, and live broadcasts covering various sporting events, including baseball, basketball, football, and more. By adopting this innovative approach, WFAN catered to a growing audience of sports enthusiasts in the New York area and beyond, setting a new standard for niche broadcasting.
Continue ReadingBirth of the Black Tigers in Sri Lanka
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) utilized suicide attacks for the first time against the Sri Lankan Army, marking a significant shift in their military tactics. This new strategy was executed by a special unit named the Black Tigers, who would go on to become synonymous with suicide bombings in the ensuing years. The launch of this tactic underscored the LTTE's commitment to their cause and their innovative approach to asymmetric warfare.
Continue ReadingHulda Crooks Climbs Mt. Fuji at 91
Hulda Crooks ascended Mt. Fuji at the impressive age of 91, making her the oldest person to reach Japan's highest peak. Accompanied by a group of supporters, she showcased remarkable resilience and determination, inspiring many with her adventurous spirit. The climb was part of a campaign to promote fitness and health among older adults, emphasizing that age should not be a barrier to achieving difficult goals. Crooks' successful ascent not only highlighted her personal achievements but also brought attention to the capabilities of senior citizens in outdoor activities.
Continue ReadingSS Bridgeton Collides with IRGC Mines
The US supertanker SS Bridgeton sustained damage after colliding with underwater mines attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Persian Gulf. This incident caused a notable 43-square-meter dent in the ship's hull. The attack occurred during a period of heightened tensions in the region, resulting from ongoing conflicts between Iran and Iraq, and was part of the broader context of the Iran-Iraq War. The US was involved in protecting maritime interests in the area, leading to increased military presence.
Continue ReadingRajiv Gandhi and J. R. Jayewardene Sign Accord
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of India and President J. R. Jayewardene of Sri Lanka formalized the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord to address ethnic issues in Sri Lanka. This agreement aimed to establish peace and resolve ongoing ethnic tensions primarily affecting the Tamil population. The signing took place in Colombo, demonstrating a commitment to cooperation between the two nations. The accord sought to de-escalate conflicts and provided a framework for political autonomy and the rights of minority communities.
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