What Happened This Year 2002

Historical Events from This Year 2002

Military & Warfare

Siege of Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

April 2nd, 2002 22 years ago

Israeli forces surrounded the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where armed Palestinian militants had retreated during the Second Intifada. The siege lasted for several weeks, with intense negotiations occurring between Israeli officials and representatives of the Palestinian Authority, mediated by various international actors. The church, significant for its historical and religious importance, became a focal point of the conflict, raising concerns about its preservation and the broader implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations.

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Politics & Government

MPLA and UNITA Sign Peace Treaty

April 4th, 2002 22 years ago

The MPLA government of Angola and UNITA rebels signed a peace treaty, culminating decades of conflict that had plagued the country following its independence from Portugal in 1975. The treaty aimed to end the Angolan Civil War, which had caused immense suffering and loss of life. Negotiated in July 2001 and signed in Luanda, the capital, the agreement was facilitated by UN mediation, reflecting regional and international efforts for a lasting peace. Upon signing, both parties committed to disarmament and the establishment of a unified government.

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Space Exploration

Atlantis Launches STS-110 to the ISS

April 8th, 2002 22 years ago

Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on mission STS-110, marking a significant milestone in the assembly of the International Space Station (ISS) by delivering the S0 truss. This mission was notable for Astronaut Jerry L. Ross, who became the first person to fly on seven spaceflights. The launch took place from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, showcasing advancements in human space exploration and engineering.

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Politics & Government

Massive Protest Demands Resignation of Chávez

April 11th, 2002 22 years ago

Over two hundred thousand people marched in Caracas, Venezuela, demanding the resignation of President Hugo Chávez. The protest was sparked by growing opposition to Chávez's policies and governance, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among various sectors of society. As tensions escalated, clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in the deaths of nineteen protesters, highlighting the violent repercussions of political unrest in the country.

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Crime & Law

Ghriba Synagogue Bombing Kills 21 in Tunisia

April 11th, 2002 22 years ago

A bombing at the Ghriba synagogue in Tunisia resulted in the death of 21 people, predominantly foreign tourists, during a significant Jewish pilgrimage. The attack was orchestrated by members of al-Qaeda, targeting a symbolic site of Jewish heritage in the primarily Muslim nation. It heightened fears of terrorism within Tunisia and across the region around the time of escalating global jihadist movements.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Suicide Bombing at Mahane Yehuda Market

April 12th, 2002 22 years ago

A suicide bomber detonated explosives at the entrance to Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda Market, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people and injuring 104 others. The attack occurred during a busy time at the market, filled with locals and tourists, heightening its impact on the community. The perpetrator was identified as a member of a militant group, aiming to instill fear and disrupt daily life. Security measures in the area were rapidly increased following the attack as a response to the escalation of violence.

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Politics & Government

Hugo Chávez Restored to Presidency

April 14th, 2002 22 years ago

Hugo Chávez was reinstated as the President of Venezuela after a brief coup that led to his ousting and arrest by military forces. The coup occurred on April 11, 2002, when Chávez was captured and replaced by Pedro Carmona, the head of Venezuela’s business federation. However, pro-Chávez supporters mobilized and protested against the coup, leading to Chávez's return on April 14, 2002. The event took place amidst a backdrop of political instability and economic challenges in Venezuela.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Air China Flight 129 crashes near Busan

April 15th, 2002 22 years ago

Air China Flight 129, a scheduled passenger flight from Beijing to Busan, South Korea, crashed while attempting to land at Gimhae International Airport. The accident resulted in the deaths of 129 people, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in South Korean history. The crash occurred due to a combination of poor weather conditions and navigational errors. The aircraft misidentified its altitude, leading to a deviation from the intended flight path and a subsequent crash into a hill near the airport.

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Crime & Law

Robert Steinhäuser attacks Gutenberg-Gymnasium

April 26th, 2002 22 years ago

On April 26, 2002, in Erfurt, Germany, Robert Steinhäuser, a former student, entered the Gutenberg-Gymnasium armed with a firearm and killed 16 individuals, including 13 teachers and two students, before taking his own life. This tragic event was one of the deadliest school shootings in German history, drawing immediate national and international attention to the issue of school violence and gun control. The attack unfolded within the school's premises, causing panic and fear among the survivors. Steinhäuser's motives were largely linked to personal grievances he held against the school environment.

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