1980 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1980 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 17 Jan Dunmurry train bombing: On January 17, 1980, a premature detonation of an IRA incendiary bomb aboard a passenger train near Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, resulted in three fatalities and five injuries. The victims included two civilians and one IRA member. The IRA acknowledged responsibility, expressing regret over the unintended civilian casualties and attributing the incident to the complexities of the conflict. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 Feb Mock execution of U.S. hostages in Iran reported: On February 5, 1980, during the Iran Hostage Crisis, American captives at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran were subjected to a mock execution. Guards wearing black ski masks blindfolded the hostages, ordered them to strip, and led them to other rooms where they were told to kneel. The hostages were then threatened with weapons, creating a terrifying experience. After a brief period, the captors revealed it was a practical joke intended to intimidate the hostages. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 23 Feb Khomeini hands hostage fate to Iranian parliament: On February 23, 1980, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini announced that the Iranian parliament (Majlis) would decide the fate of the 52 American embassy hostages. This decision transferred the responsibility from the religious elite to the newly formed government, further legitimizing the nascent Islamic Republic. The hostages had been held since November 4, 1979, after Iranian students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran. source: britannica.com
- 16 Mar Irish Army Ranger Wing established: The Irish Army Ranger Wing (ARW) was officially established on March 16, 1980, as the special operations force of the Irish Defence Forces. The unit was formed to address the increasing threat of terrorism and to provide specialized capabilities in counter-terrorism and special operations. The ARW is headquartered at the Defence Forces Training Centre in Curragh Camp, County Kildare. source: military.ie
- 07 Apr Misgav Am hostage crisis: On April 7, 1980, five Palestinian militants from the Iraqi-backed Arab Liberation Front infiltrated Kibbutz Misgav Am in northern Israel. They entered the children's dormitory, killing the kibbutz secretary and a two-year-old child, and took several children hostage, demanding the release of 50 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces attempted a rescue operation, resulting in the deaths of all five militants and the rescue of the hostages. Three Israelis were killed, and 11 soldiers were injured during the incident. source: washingtonpost.com
- 09 Apr Israeli military incursion into Lebanon on April 9, 1980: On April 9, 1980, hundreds of Israeli troops, accompanied by tanks and armored vehicles, crossed into southern Lebanon, establishing positions approximately three miles inside the border. This operation aimed to intercept Palestinian guerrilla squads suspected of infiltrating Israel. The Israeli forces dug trenches, built bunkers, and set up barbed-wire fences, indicating an intention for an extended presence. The incursion followed a Palestinian commando raid on a northern Israeli kibbutz, which resulted in the deaths of an Israeli soldier and two civilians, including a child. The Israeli military's actions were perceived as a direct response to these attacks, reflecting a lack of confidence in the United Nations peacekeeping force's ability to prevent guerrilla infiltration. The operation was the most significant Israeli incursion into Lebanon in nearly a year. The Israeli Army refused to disclose details of its cross-border operation, stating only that "patrols" were in southern Lebanon "as a precaution against possible terrorist activity." source: washingtonpost.com
- 17 Apr Carter imposes Iran travel ban: On April 17, 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued Executive Order 12211, banning all travel by American citizens to Iran and halting all further imports. This order also forbade financial transactions with Iran by anyone in the United States, as part of escalating sanctions in response to the Iran hostage crisis. source: washingtonpost.com
- 24 Apr Operation Eagle Claw disaster: On April 24, 1980, the U.S. military launched Operation Eagle Claw, a mission aimed at rescuing 53 American hostages held in Tehran, Iran. The operation faced multiple challenges, including mechanical failures and a severe dust storm, leading to its abortive status. During the withdrawal from the staging area, Desert One, a helicopter collided with a C-130 transport aircraft, resulting in a catastrophic fire that destroyed both aircraft and killed eight U.S. servicemen. source: britannica.com
- 03 Jun Bombing of the Statue of Liberty's Story Room: On June 3, 1980, a time-delay explosive device detonated in the Statue of Liberty's Story Room, causing significant damage to exhibits and a portion of the ceiling. Fortunately, no one was injured as the explosion occurred after closing hours. The FBI suspected Croatian nationalists seeking independence from Yugoslavia, but no arrests were made. source: nps.gov
- 27 Jun Itavia Flight 870 crashes into Tyrrhenian Sea near Ustica, Italy: On June 27, 1980, Itavia Flight 870, a Douglas DC-9-15 en route from Bologna to Palermo, crashed into the Tyrrhenian Sea near the island of Ustica, Italy, resulting in the deaths of all 81 occupants. The cause of the crash remains a subject of controversy, with theories including a terrorist bomb, a missile strike, or a military accident. Despite extensive investigations, the exact cause has not been conclusively determined. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Jul Richard Queen released from Iran due to illness: On July 11, 1980, Richard Queen, a U.S. vice consul held hostage in Tehran since November 4, 1979, was released after Iranian authorities determined he was suffering from multiple sclerosis. Queen was subsequently flown to Switzerland for medical treatment. source: washingtonpost.com
- 02 Aug Bologna train station bombing: On August 2, 1980, a bomb exploded in the Bologna Centrale railway station in Italy, killing 85 people and injuring over 200. The attack was attributed to the neo-fascist group Nuclei Armati Rivoluzionari (NAR), though they denied involvement. The bombing remains one of the deadliest in Italian history. source: britannica.com
- 27 Aug Bombing of Harvey's Resort Hotel in Stateline, Nevada: On August 27, 1980, a bomb exploded at Harvey's Resort Hotel in Stateline, Nevada, causing extensive damage but no injuries. The bomb, containing approximately 1,100 pounds of dynamite, was planted by John Birges Sr., who had lost $750,000 at the casino and sought to extort $3 million. The explosion also damaged the neighboring Harrah's Casino, breaking many of its windows. Birges was later convicted for the bombing. source: washingtonpost.com
- 26 Sep Oktoberfest bombing in Munich: On September 26, 1980, a bomb exploded at the main entrance of Munich's Oktoberfest, killing 13 people, including the perpetrator, and injuring over 200 others. The attack was attributed to Gundolf Köhler, a right-wing extremist with ties to a banned neo-Nazi group. Despite initial investigations suggesting personal motives, later inquiries concluded the bombing was a far-right terrorist act. source: dw.com
- 02 Nov Iran's parliament votes to release U.S. hostages under specific conditions: On November 2, 1980, Iran's parliament, the Majlis, voted to release the 52 U.S. Embassy hostages if the United States met four conditions: non-interference in Iranian affairs, unfreezing Iranian assets, cancellation of economic sanctions, and returning properties of the late Shah of Iran. This decision was communicated to the U.S. through Algerian intermediaries. source: archives.gov
- 31 Dec 1980 Norfolk Hotel bombing in Nairobi, Kenya: On December 31, 1980, a bomb exploded in The Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, killing 20 people and injuring 87. The attack was believed to be in retaliation for Kenya's support during Israel's Operation Entebbe in 1976. The bomber, identified as Qaddura Mohammed Abd Al-Hamid, a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, fled to Saudi Arabia on the day of the bombing. source: en.wikipedia.org
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