1982 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1982 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 28 Jan US Army General James L. Dozier rescued from Red Brigades: On January 28, 1982, U.S. Brigadier General James L. Dozier was rescued by Italian police after being held captive by the Red Brigades for 42 days. The rescue operation, conducted by the Nucleo Operativo Centrale di Sicurezza (NOCS), took place in Padua, Italy, where Dozier was found unharmed in an apartment. The operation was a significant success for Italian authorities in combating domestic terrorism. source: washingtonpost.com
- 10 Mar US imposes embargo on Libyan petroleum: On March 10, 1982, the United States imposed an embargo on Libyan petroleum products in response to Libya's support for terrorism and its hostile actions in the region. This embargo was part of a broader strategy to isolate the Libyan government under Muammar Gaddafi and to curb its influence in the Middle East and North Africa. The embargo significantly impacted Libya's economy, which was heavily reliant on oil exports. source: reuters.com
- 14 Mar South African government bombs ANC headquarters in London: On March 14, 1982, the South African government bombed the African National Congress (ANC) headquarters in London, causing significant damage but no fatalities. The attack was intended to demoralize the ANC and signal disapproval of the British government's support for the liberation movement. In 1998, former South African security police admitted responsibility for the bombing during a Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearing. source: theguardian.com
- 20 Jul IRA bombings in Hyde Park and Regent's Park, London: On July 20, 1982, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) carried out two bombings in London. The first occurred at 10:43 am in Hyde Park, where a nail bomb exploded under a parked car, killing four soldiers of the Blues and Royals and seven horses. The second bombing took place at 12:55 pm in Regent's Park, targeting a bandstand during a military concert, resulting in seven fatalities among the Royal Green Jackets' bandsmen. The attacks also injured at least 59 people, including soldiers and civilians. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 11 Aug Bombing of Pan Am Flight 830 en route from Tokyo to Honolulu: On August 11, 1982, Pan Am Flight 830, a Boeing 747-121 named 'Clipper Ocean Rover,' was en route from Tokyo to Honolulu when a bomb exploded under a seat cushion. The blast killed 16-year-old Japanese passenger Toru Ozawa and injured 16 others. Despite the damage, the crew managed an emergency landing in Honolulu, saving the remaining 284 passengers and crew members. source: justice.gov
- 06 Sep Polish dissidents seize Polish Embassy in Bern, Switzerland: On September 6, 1982, four Polish exiles, led by Florian Kruszyk, seized the Polish Embassy in Bern, Switzerland, taking 14 hostages. They demanded the abolition of martial law in Poland, the release of political prisoners, and threatened to destroy the embassy if their demands were not met. After 36 hours, Swiss special forces stormed the embassy, freeing the hostages without any shots fired. The gunmen were later sentenced to imprisonment in Switzerland. source: washingtonpost.com
- 09 Oct Palestinian terrorist attack on Rome's Great Synagogue: On October 9, 1982, five armed Palestinian militants attacked the Great Synagogue of Rome, throwing hand grenades and opening fire with submachine guns as worshippers were leaving after Shemini Atzeret services. The assault resulted in the death of 2-year-old Stefano Gaj Taché and injuries to 37 other civilians. The attack was attributed to the Abu Nidal Organization. source: timesofisrael.com
- 11 Nov Explosion at Israeli military headquarters in Tyre, Lebanon: On November 11, 1982, a massive explosion destroyed the Israeli military's regional headquarters in Tyre, Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of 75 Israeli soldiers and border police, along with 14 to 27 Lebanese and Palestinian detainees. Initially, Israeli authorities attributed the blast to a gas leak, but subsequent investigations, including a 2024 inquiry, concluded that it was likely caused by a suicide car bombing carried out by Hezbollah, marking one of the earliest instances of such attacks in the region. source: washingtonpost.com
- 06 Dec Droppin' Well bombing in Ballykelly, Northern Ireland: On December 6, 1982, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) detonated a time bomb at the Droppin' Well pub in Ballykelly, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The explosion killed 17 people—11 soldiers and 6 civilians—and injured dozens more. The pub was frequented by British Army soldiers from the nearby Shackleton Barracks. The INLA claimed responsibility for the attack, stating it was aimed at British soldiers and their associates. The bombing was one of the deadliest incidents during the Troubles, leading to widespread condemnation. source: bbc.co.uk
- 16 Dec United Freedom Front bombings in New York: On December 16, 1982, the United Freedom Front (UFF), a Marxist militant group, claimed responsibility for two bombings in New York: one at an IBM office in Harrison, New York, and another at a South African Airways office in Elmont, New York. These attacks were part of a series of bombings targeting entities associated with apartheid South Africa and U.S. imperialism. The UFF's actions during this period included bombings and bank robberies aimed at military and commercial institutions. source: cia.gov
What happened in 1982?
Discover what the world looked like in 1982: