What Happened This Year 2017

Historical Events from This Year 2017

Crime & Law

Assassination of Kim Jong-nam in Malaysia

February 13th, 2017 8 years ago

Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Two women approached him and smeared a toxic nerve agent called VX on his face, which led to his swift death. The assassination was reportedly politically motivated, reflecting the intense rivalry within the Kim family hierarchy. The event raised international eyebrows and brought global attention to North Korea's clandestine operations.

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Military & Warfare

Turkish Forces Take Control of Al-Bab

February 23rd, 2017 8 years ago

Al-Bab, a strategic town in northern Syria, was captured by the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army after intense fighting with ISIL. The offensive, part of Turkey's Euphrates Shield operation, aimed to eliminate terrorist threats and enable the return of displaced civilians. The capture of Al-Bab marked a significant milestone, providing the Turkish military and their allies deeper control over the region.

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Science & Technology

New Elements Moscovium, Tennessine, and Oganesson Added

March 2nd, 2017 8 years ago

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry announced the official naming of three newly discovered elements—Moscovium (Mc), Tennessine (Ts), and Oganesson (Og)—during a conference in Moscow, Russia. This decision finalized the recognition of these elements that signify significant advances in the field of chemistry and synthetic element discovery. Scientists from various institutions contributed to the research leading to the discovery and identification of these heavy elements, derived from collaborations between American and Russian scientists.

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Natural Disasters

Collapse of the Azure Window in Gozo

March 8th, 2017 8 years ago

The Azure Window, a natural limestone arch, fell into the sea due to severe storm conditions. Located on the Maltese island of Gozo, it was renowned for its picturesque beauty and became a popular tourist destination. The combination of strong winds and high waves ultimately led to its destruction, marking the end of a memorable landmark that had existed for thousands of years.

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Politics & Government

Park Geun-hye's Presidential Impeachment Upheld

March 10th, 2017 8 years ago

The Constitutional Court of South Korea upheld the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye after a political scandal that shook the nation. Accusations against her included collusion with a confidante to manipulate power, leading to mass protests. The court ruled unanimously, ending Park's presidency that began in 2013. The decision followed months of political turmoil and public outcry, marking a critical moment in South Korean democracy and governance.

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Science & Technology

Nihonium Naming Ceremony in Tokyo

March 14th, 2017 8 years ago

A ceremonial event was held in Tokyo to honor the naming of the chemical element nihonium, symbolized as Nh. The event featured the attendance of then Crown Prince Naruhito, emphasizing the importance of scientific discovery in Japan. The element, which was officially recognized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, was named after the country, reflecting pride in national achievement in nuclear chemistry.

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Crime & Law

Terrorist Attack Near Houses of Parliament

March 22nd, 2017 7 years ago

A vehicle rammed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, followed by a stabbing incident outside the Houses of Parliament in London. The assailant, Khalid Masood, was shot dead by police after killing four individuals and injuring at least 20 others. The attack occurred during rush hour, causing significant chaos in the area and prompting a swift security response from law enforcement. The incident was condemned globally and raised concerns about terrorism in major cities.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Airlift Supports Syrian Democratic Forces

March 22nd, 2017 7 years ago

In a move to assist the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against the Islamic State, approximately 500 members were airlifted south of the Euphrates River by United States Air Force helicopters, marking the beginning of the Battle of Tabqa. This operation aimed to recapture strategic areas from ISIS control in the Raqqa province, crucial for the fight against the terrorist group. The airlift demonstration highlighted the U.S. commitment to its allies in the region amid escalating conflict.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Nationwide Anti-Corruption Protests in Russia

March 26th, 2017 7 years ago

In March 2017, nationwide protests erupted across 99 Russian cities, organized by opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Citizens gathered to voice their frustration over corruption and demand accountability from the government. A survey conducted by the Levada Center indicated significant public support for the protests, with 38% of respondents backing the movement and 67% blaming President Vladimir Putin for high-level corruption. The protests were marked by a wave of arrests and governmental pushback, showcasing the tension between citizens and the state over corruption issues.

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