1972 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1972 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 31 Jan Bombing at British Yacht Club in West Berlin: A bomb explosion at the British Yacht Club in West Berlin results in the death of Irwin Beelitz, a German boat builder, highlighting the ongoing tensions and political violence of the era.
- 07 Feb Lufthansa Flight 649 Hijacking Concludes: The hijacking of Lufthansa Flight 649 was peacefully resolved at Aden International Airport, with Palestinian gunmen releasing their final hostages.
- 19 Feb United Red Army hostage crisis at Asama-Sansō lodge: On February 19, 1972, five members of the United Red Army took a woman hostage at the Asama-Sansō lodge near Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The standoff lasted until February 28, 1972, resulting in the rescue of the hostage and the arrest of the perpetrators. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Feb Aldershot Bombing: The Official IRA conducted a terrorist bombing in Aldershot, England, resulting in the tragic death of 7 individuals. This attack was part of the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland known as 'The Troubles'.
- 20 Mar Provisional IRA Belfast car bombing: On March 20, 1972, the Provisional IRA detonated a car bomb in Lower Donegall Street, Belfast, during a busy shopping period. The explosion resulted in seven fatalities, including two members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), and injured 148 people. The attack marked one of the first car bombings used by the IRA during the Troubles. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 May Black September hijacking of Sabena Flight 571: On May 8, 1972, members of the Black September organization hijacked Sabena Flight 571, a Belgian airliner, en route from Brussels to Tel Aviv. The hijackers demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners and held the passengers hostage. The incident ended with a military operation that resulted in the rescue of the hostages and the death of one hijacker. source: bbc.com
- 13 May Belfast pub car bombing during The Troubles: On May 13, 1972, a car bomb exploded outside a pub in Belfast, resulting in multiple casualties. This incident was part of the ongoing violence during The Troubles, reflecting the intense sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland. source: bbc.com
- 19 May Red Army Faction bombing in Hamburg: On May 19, 1972, the Red Army Faction (RAF) carried out a bombing at the Axel Springer Verlag building in Hamburg, injuring at least 17 people. The attack was part of the RAF's campaign against perceived capitalist institutions. source: dw.com
- 15 Jun Ulrike Meinhof captured by West German police: Ulrike Meinhof, a prominent member of the Red Army Faction, was captured by West German police on June 15, 1972. Her arrest marked a significant moment in the fight against leftist terrorism in Germany during the 1970s. source: britannica.com
- 18 Jul Bloody Friday in Belfast: On July 18, 1972, a series of car bombings in Belfast, Northern Ireland, resulted in the deaths of nine people and injuries to over 130 others. This event marked a significant escalation in the violence of the Troubles. source: bbc.com
- 21 Jul Bloody Friday: IRA bombing in Belfast: On July 21, 1972, a series of bombings orchestrated by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) occurred in Belfast, resulting in significant casualties and damage. This event, known as Bloody Friday, marked a pivotal moment in the Northern Ireland conflict, intensifying the violence and political tensions in the region. source: bbc.com
- 31 Jul Claudy Bombing: Tragic IRA Attack: On July 31, 1972, three car bombs exploded in Claudy, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, killing nine civilians and injuring thirty. The Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) is believed to have been responsible for the attack, which became known as "Bloody Monday." source: bbc.com
- 05 Sep Munich Massacre at 1972 Summer Olympics: On September 5, 1972, during the Munich Summer Olympics, eight members of the Palestinian terrorist group Black September infiltrated the Olympic Village, killed two members of Israel's Olympic team, and took nine others hostage. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Sep Munich Massacre at 1972 Olympic Games: On September 6, 1972, during the Munich Summer Olympics, eight members of the Palestinian terrorist group Black September infiltrated the Olympic Village, killed two members of Israel's Olympic team, and took nine others hostage. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Sep Munich Olympic Massacre Begins: On September 11, 1972, the Munich Olympic Massacre began when members of the Palestinian terrorist group Black September took 11 Israeli athletes hostage and later killed them during the Munich Olympics. source: britannica.com
- 16 Sep Wall Street bombing: On September 16, 1972, a bomb exploded on Wall Street in New York City, causing significant damage and several injuries. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Sep Terrorist attack on Israeli embassy in London: On September 19, 1972, a terrorist attack occurred at the Israeli embassy in London, resulting in casualties and heightened tensions. This incident was part of a series of attacks targeting Israeli interests during this period. source: theguardian.com
- 29 Dec UK Begins SAS Anti-Terrorist Training: The United Kingdom initiates specialized training for the Special Air Service (SAS) in anti-terrorist operations, a response to increasing global terrorism and the need for specialized counter-terrorism units.
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