What Happened This Year 2001

Historical Events from This Year 2001

Military & Warfare

Albanian Rebels Attack Macedonian Army Convoy

August 8th, 2001 23 years ago

Albanian rebels ambushed a convoy of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia near Tetovo, resulting in the deaths of 10 soldiers. The attack occurred during a period of escalating tensions in the region, as ethnic Albanian insurgents were seeking greater autonomy and rights. This incident marked a critical point in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the volatility of the situation in Macedonia as ethnic strife intensified.

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Military & Warfare

Mass Casualty Train Attack in Angola

August 10th, 2001 23 years ago

On August 10, 2001, a train traveling from Malanje to Luanda in Angola was attacked by armed rebels from the União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola (UNITA). This assault resulted in the tragic deaths of 252 people and left many others injured. The incident occurred during a phase of the Angolan Civil War, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in the country, which was embroiled in conflict for decades. The attack drew international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Angola, making it a pivotal point in the war.

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Space Exploration

Discovery Launches Expedition 3 to ISS

August 10th, 2001 23 years ago

The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station, carrying the Expedition 3 crew to replace Expedition 2. The mission aimed to further the assembly of the ISS and included important science experiments and cargo delivery.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Air Transat Flight 236's Emergency Landing

August 24th, 2001 23 years ago

Air Transat Flight 236, en route from Toronto to Lisbon, experienced a critical incident over the Atlantic Ocean when it lost all engine power due to fuel starvation caused by a fuel leak. The pilots, Captain Robert Piché and First Officer Dirk De Jager, successfully glided the aircraft for over 70 miles before executing a remarkable emergency landing at Lajes Field in the Azores, saving all 306 passengers and crew aboard.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Aaliyah and entourage perish in plane crash

August 25th, 2001 23 years ago

American singer Aaliyah and several members of her entourage tragically lost their lives when their private plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Marsh Harbour Airport in the Bahamas. The aircraft, which was overloaded, went down in the nearby waters, resulting in a significant loss of life and shocking fans worldwide. Aaliyah was only 22 years old at the time, having achieved fame with her hit songs and acting roles.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Plane Crash near Málaga Airport Results in Casualties

August 29th, 2001 23 years ago

Binter Mediterráneo Flight 8261 crashed into the N-340 highway near Málaga Airport, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The aircraft was conducting a routine flight when it encountered difficulties during its landing approach. The crash not only claimed lives but also raised concerns about aviation safety. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to aid the situation and investigate the causes behind the crash.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Protestant Loyalists Picket Catholic School in Belfast

September 3rd, 2001 23 years ago

In Belfast, a group of Protestant loyalists organized a picket outside the Holy Cross Primary School for girls. The protest stemmed from ongoing tensions between the Protestant and Catholic communities in Northern Ireland, with loyalists expressing opposition towards Catholic institutions. The picket garnered considerable media attention and highlighted the deep-seated divisions and sectarian strife that characterized the region during this period.

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Entertainment

Tokyo DisneySea Opens to Enthusiastic Visitors

September 4th, 2001 23 years ago

Tokyo DisneySea opened its gates in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan as the second theme park within the Tokyo Disney Resort. This unique park, inspired by the myths and legends of the ocean, features seven themed ports of call. Visitors experienced attractions such as the Tower of Terror and the journey through the aquatic world. The park aims to blend the enchanted elements of Disney with a maritime theme, appealing to both families and Disney enthusiasts.

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Military & Warfare

Assassination of Ahmad Shah Massoud

September 9th, 2001 23 years ago

Ahmad Shah Massoud, a prominent Afghan military leader, was assassinated by two individuals posing as Arab journalists seeking an interview. The assassination occurred in Takhar province, Afghanistan. The attackers detonated a bomb hidden in their equipment, killing Massoud and several others. His death marked a significant turning point in Afghanistan’s political landscape, particularly in the fight against the Taliban and al-Qaeda forces.

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