What Happened This Year 2021

Historical Events from This Year 2021

Natural Disasters

Massive Earthquake Devastates Southwestern Haiti

August 14th, 2021 3 years ago

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southwestern Haiti, resulting in significant destruction and a humanitarian crisis. The earthquake's epicenter was located near Petit-Trou-de-Nippes, affecting thousands of homes and displacing many residents. Rescue efforts faced challenges due to damaged infrastructure and ongoing tropical storm warnings in the region. The government and international aid organizations mobilized to provide assistance to those affected, addressing immediate needs such as food, water, and medical care amid the devastation.

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Politics & Government

Taliban Reclaims Kabul, Ashraf Ghani Flees

August 15th, 2021 3 years ago

On August 15, 2021, the Taliban entered Kabul, Afghanistan, as President Ashraf Ghani fled the country amidst the collapse of the Afghan government. Thousands of residents and foreign nationals sought to escape, leading to chaotic scenes at Hamid Karzai International Airport. The Taliban's swift advance, which began in early May, culminated in the effective reestablishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, marking a dramatic shift in the country's political landscape after two decades of U.S.-led military presence.

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Military & Warfare

Suicide Bombing at Kabul Airport

August 26th, 2021 3 years ago

A suicide bombing occurred at Hamid Karzai International Airport during the chaotic evacuation effort from Afghanistan, killing 13 U.S. military personnel and at least 169 Afghan civilians. The incident highlighted the dangers surrounding the Kabul airlift as thousands sought to flee the Taliban's resurgence. The attack was attributed to ISIS-K, a local offshoot of the Islamic State, indicating the complexities of security in the region amid the Taliban's takeover.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Troops Complete Withdrawal from Afghanistan

August 30th, 2021 3 years ago

The last remaining American troops departed Afghanistan, marking the end of the U.S. military presence that began in 2001. The withdrawal was part of a broader agreement between the United States and the Taliban aimed at ending nearly two decades of conflict. Notable images captured during this operation depicted military transport aircraft leaving Hamid Karzai International Airport, symbolizing a significant transition in U.S. foreign policy. The withdrawal coincided with the chaotic evacuation of thousands of Afghan allies amid the Taliban's rapid takeover of the country.

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Politics & Government

Alpha Condé Captured by Armed Forces Coup

September 5th, 2021 3 years ago

Guinea's President Alpha Condé was captured by armed forces during a coup led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya. The coup took place amidst widespread discontent over Condé's controversial re-election and constitutional amendments that extended his presidency. The military unit responsible, the Special Forces, surrounded the presidential palace in Conakry and announced the takeover. Doumbouya's forces claimed to have arrested Condé and dissolved the government, leading to significant political unrest in the region.

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Economics & Industry

Bitcoin Officially Recognized as Legal Tender

September 7th, 2021 3 years ago

El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, allowing citizens to use it for goods and services alongside the US dollar. The initiative is led by President Nayib Bukele, who advocates for financial inclusion and aims to enhance remittances, which are crucial for the Salvadoran economy. This move created global attention, raising discussions about cryptocurrencies' role in emerging economies and the future of traditional banking.

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Military & Warfare

Myanmar's National Unity Government Declares War

September 7th, 2021 3 years ago

The National Unity Government of Myanmar, made up of lawmakers ousted by the military coup, declared a people's defensive war against the military junta in response to ongoing violence. This declaration signified the increasing resistance among various ethnic and civic groups united against the military rule. The move was aimed at galvanizing support for a coordinated effort to push back against the junta's repression of dissent and restoration of democracy.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Siberian Light Aviation Flight 51 Crash

September 12th, 2021 3 years ago

Siberian Light Aviation Flight 51, a domestic flight, crashed short of the runway while attempting to land at Kazachinskoye Airport, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives. The aircraft, a Let L-410 Turbolet, encountered difficulties while approaching the airport, leading to its premature descent. The incident highlights ongoing air safety challenges in the region and raises questions about the operational conditions at smaller airports in Siberia.

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Natural Disasters

6.0 Mw Earthquake Strikes Lu County, Sichuan

September 16th, 2021 3 years ago

A 6.0 Mw earthquake occurred near Lu County in Sichuan, China, resulting in three fatalities and injuring over 88 individuals. The earthquake struck shortly after noon and was felt strongly in the region, causing significant public concern and prompting emergency responses from local authorities. Rescue operations began immediately, focusing on searching for survivors and providing medical aid to the injured. The tremors affected infrastructure, leading to damages in homes and disruptions in transportation.

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