1983 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights

1983 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

07 Jan Reagan lifts U.S. arms embargo against Guatemala: On January 7, 1983, President Ronald Reagan lifted the U.S. arms embargo against Guatemala, authorizing the sale of $6 million in military hardware, including spare parts for UH-1H helicopters and A-37 aircraft used in counterinsurgency operations. This decision reversed a ban imposed by the previous administration due to human rights concerns. Despite the embargo's lifting, reports indicated ongoing human rights violations in Guatemala. source: consortiumnews.com
08 Jan Margaret Thatcher's visit to the Falkland Islands in January 1983: On January 8, 1983, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher arrived in Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, accompanied by her husband, Denis. The visit aimed to pay tribute to those who liberated the islands during the 1982 conflict. Thatcher's arrival was met with spontaneous and emotional greetings from the islanders, reflecting the deep appreciation for her leadership during the war. source: margaretthatcher.org
13 Jan Israel and Lebanon agree on negotiation agenda to end state of war: On January 13, 1983, Israel and Lebanon reached an agreement on the agenda for their peace negotiations, focusing on terminating the state of war, security arrangements, and establishing a framework for mutual relations. This development marked a significant step toward resolving longstanding hostilities between the two nations. source: washingtonpost.com
17 Jan George Wallace inaugurated for fourth term as Alabama governor: On January 17, 1983, George Wallace was inaugurated for his fourth term as governor of Alabama. The ceremony took place on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery, where Wallace had previously declared "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever" during his first inauguration in 1963. In his 1983 address, Wallace pledged "mercy and justice" for all, signaling a shift from his earlier segregationist stance. He emphasized the survival of the middle class and the importance of jobs, reflecting his commitment to economic development and social welfare. The inauguration was marked by a cold Alabama day, contrasting with the warmer temperatures of his previous ceremonies. Wallace's return to the governorship was notable for the support he received from African American voters, indicating a significant change in his political and social perspectives over the two decades since his first term. source: washingtonpost.com
27 Jan Death of Georges Bidault, French Resistance Leader: Georges Bidault, a prominent French politician and leader in the French Resistance during World War II, died on January 27, 1983, in Cambo-les-Bains, France. He was 83 years old at the time of his death. source: en.wikipedia.org
01 Feb Soviet Union conducts underground nuclear test: On February 1, 1983, the Soviet Union conducted an underground nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. This test was part of a series of nuclear tests conducted by the USSR during the Cold War, contributing to ongoing tensions between superpowers. The test was not publicly acknowledged until years later, reflecting the secretive nature of nuclear testing during that era. source: britannica.com
02 Mar Soviet Union conducts underground nuclear test: On March 2, 1983, the Soviet Union conducted an underground nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. This test was part of a series of nuclear tests conducted by the USSR during the Cold War, contributing to ongoing tensions between superpowers. The test was not publicly acknowledged until years later, reflecting the secretive nature of nuclear testing during that era. source: britannica.com
06 Mar West German parliamentary elections held on March 6, 1983: The West German parliamentary elections took place on March 6, 1983, resulting in a significant victory for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its leader, Helmut Kohl. This election marked a shift in the political landscape, as the CDU formed a coalition government with the Free Democratic Party (FDP), ending a period of Social Democratic Party (SPD) leadership. The elections were notable for their impact on German politics during the Cold War era. source: britannica.com
08 Mar Reagan delivers 'Evil Empire' speech to the National Association of Evangelicals: On March 8, 1983, President Ronald Reagan delivered his famous 'Evil Empire' speech at the National Association of Evangelicals in Orlando, Florida. In this address, he characterized the Soviet Union as an 'evil empire' and called for a strong stance against communism, emphasizing the moral imperative to combat it. This speech is often cited as a pivotal moment in the Cold War rhetoric. source: archives.gov
23 Mar Reagan proposes Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI): On March 23, 1983, President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), a proposed missile defense system intended to protect the United States from nuclear missile attacks. The initiative aimed to develop ground-based and space-based systems to intercept and destroy incoming missiles, marking a significant shift in U.S. defense policy during the Cold War. source: archives.gov
18 Apr U.S. Embassy bombing in Beirut: On April 18, 1983, a truck bomb exploded outside the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 63 people, including 17 Americans. This attack marked a significant escalation in violence during the Lebanese Civil War and was attributed to Hezbollah. The bombing highlighted the dangers faced by U.S. personnel in the region and had lasting implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. source: archives.gov
03 May Soviet leader proposes reducing nuclear warheads in Europe: On May 3, 1983, Soviet leader Yuri Andropov proposed reducing the number of nuclear warheads on Soviet missiles aimed at Europe to match those in the French and British arsenals. This marked the first time the Soviet Union offered to cut its nuclear weaponry to align with Western figures on a warhead-for-warhead basis. The proposal was conditional upon the complete cancellation of U.S. cruise and Pershing missile deployments in Europe. source: washingtonpost.com
16 May Lebanese Parliament approves peace accord with Israel: On May 16, 1983, the Lebanese Parliament unanimously approved a U.S.-mediated peace accord with Israel, aiming to end the state of war between the two nations and facilitate Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon. The agreement outlined security arrangements in southern Lebanon and called for the establishment of normal bilateral relations. However, the accord faced strong opposition from Syria and the Palestine Liberation Organization, leading to its eventual abrogation in March 1984. source: washingtonpost.com
17 May Lebanon-Israel withdrawal agreement signed: On May 17, 1983, Lebanon and Israel signed a withdrawal agreement aimed at ending the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. The agreement was intended to establish peace and security in the region, but it faced significant opposition and was ultimately not fully implemented, leading to continued conflict. The agreement was part of broader efforts to stabilize Lebanon following the civil war and Israeli military involvement. source: bbc.com
18 May US Senate passes comprehensive immigration reform bill with amnesty provisions: On May 18, 1983, the US Senate approved a sweeping immigration reform bill by a 76-18 vote. The legislation aimed to grant amnesty to millions of illegal aliens, impose penalties on employers hiring ineligible workers, and set annual caps on legal immigration. The bill also proposed a national identification system for employment verification. Despite opposition from conservatives and liberals, the bill marked a significant step toward overhauling US immigration laws. source: washingtonpost.com
25 May France Conducts Nuclear Test: France conducted a nuclear test, continuing its nuclear weapons development program during the late Cold War era. Such tests were part of the ongoing geopolitical tensions and nuclear proliferation strategies of the time.
04 Jun Gordon Kahl killed in shootout with law enforcement in Arkansas: Gordon Kahl, a fugitive tax protester, was killed in a shootout with law enforcement officers in Smithville, Arkansas, on June 3, 1983. The confrontation resulted in the death of Lawrence County Sheriff Gene Matthews and the destruction of Kahl's hideout, which was set ablaze after a prolonged gun battle. source: washingtonpost.com
09 Jun Margaret Thatcher wins decisive re-election in 1983: On June 9, 1983, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher led the Conservative Party to a significant victory in the general election. This election was marked by a strong nationalistic sentiment and the backdrop of the Falklands War, which bolstered her popularity. Thatcher's government secured 397 seats in the House of Commons, solidifying her position and allowing her to implement further economic reforms. source: bbc.com
16 Jul Sikorsky S-61N helicopter crash near Isles of Scilly: On July 16, 1983, British Airways Helicopters Flight 5918, a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter (registration G-BEON), crashed into the southern Celtic Sea while en route from Penzance to St Mary's, Isles of Scilly, in poor visibility. The accident resulted in 20 fatalities and 6 survivors. An investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) concluded that pilot error, specifically failing to notice and correct an unintentional descent during visual flight in unsuitable conditions, was the primary cause. The AAIB also noted inadequate monitoring of flight instruments and the absence of an audio altitude warning system as contributing factors. This incident led to a review of helicopter safety protocols, including the implementation of mandatory audible height warnings on passenger helicopters operating offshore. source: news.bbc.co.uk
21 Jul US announces release of American hostage David Dodge in Lebanon: On July 21, 1983, the United States announced the release of David S. Dodge, the acting president of the American University of Beirut, who had been kidnapped on July 19, 1982. Dodge was freed after being held captive for nearly a year by pro-Palestinian Lebanese militants. His abduction was initially intended to pressure the U.S. to influence Israel to halt its invasion of Lebanon. After the Palestine Liberation Organization's evacuation from Lebanon, Dodge was transferred into Iranian custody and moved from the Beqaa Valley to Tehran. His release was a significant event during the Lebanon hostage crisis, which saw numerous foreign nationals abducted in Lebanon during the 1980s. source: washingtonpost.com
22 Jul End of Polish Martial Law: On July 22, 1983, the Polish government officially lifted martial law, which had been in effect since December 13, 1981. The decision was announced by General Wojciech Jaruzelski, the head of the Military Council of National Salvation, and marked a significant step towards the restoration of civil liberties and the normalization of political life in Poland. The lifting of martial law was a response to both domestic and international pressures, including economic sanctions imposed by Western countries and widespread protests against the authoritarian regime. source: washingtonpost.com
23 Jul Black July: Devastating ethnic riots in Sri Lanka: The Black July riots began on July 23, 1983, in Sri Lanka, marking a significant escalation in ethnic tensions between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority. The violence resulted in widespread destruction, thousands of deaths, and the displacement of many Tamils, leading to a prolonged civil conflict. This event is often cited as a turning point in Sri Lanka's history, exacerbating ethnic divisions and fueling the civil war that lasted until 2009. source: bbc.com
24 Jul Black July riots in Sri Lanka: The Black July riots were a series of anti-Tamil pogroms that occurred in Sri Lanka from July 24 to July 30, 1983. Triggered by the killing of 13 soldiers by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on July 23, the violence led to the deaths of between 400 and 3,000 Tamils, with over 150,000 people displaced. The riots marked a significant escalation in the Sri Lankan Civil War. source: en.wikipedia.org
04 Aug Thomas Sankara becomes president of Upper Volta: On August 4, 1983, Thomas Sankara seized power in Upper Volta through a military coup, becoming the country's president. His leadership marked a significant shift towards progressive policies, including land reform and anti-imperialism, and he later renamed the country Burkina Faso. Sankara's presidency is often celebrated for its focus on social justice and economic independence. source: britannica.com
08 Aug Guatemalan leadership change following military coup: On August 8, 1983, a significant leadership change occurred in Guatemala when General Efraín Ríos Montt was ousted from power. His regime, which had been marked by human rights abuses and a brutal civil war, was replaced by a military government led by General Oscar Humberto Mejía Victores. This shift was part of a broader context of political instability and military influence in the region during the 1980s. source: britannica.com
18 Aug Truck rams into Inland Motel at Ayers Rock, killing five: On August 18, 1983, Douglas John Edward Crabbe drove his 25-tonne Mack truck into the Inland Motel bar near Uluru (Ayers Rock), resulting in five fatalities and sixteen injuries. Crabbe had been ejected from the motel bar for intoxication, returned to his truck, and deliberately crashed into the building. He was apprehended later that morning and later convicted of five counts of murder. source: en.wikipedia.org
30 Aug Aeroflot Flight 5463 crashes into Dolan Mountain, killing all 90 on board: On August 30, 1983, Aeroflot Flight 5463, a Tupolev Tu-134A, crashed into Dolan Mountain near Almaty, Kazakhstan, during its approach to the airport. All 90 people on board were killed. The accident was attributed to crew and air traffic control errors, including descending below the minimum safe altitude and delayed response to a ground proximity warning. source: en.wikipedia.org
01 Sep Korean Air Flight 007 shot down by Soviet jet: On September 1, 1983, Korean Air Lines Flight 007 was shot down by a Soviet fighter jet after straying into Soviet airspace. The incident resulted in the deaths of all 269 passengers and crew on board, escalating tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The event highlighted the dangers of military miscommunication and the geopolitical tensions of the era. source: britannica.com
12 Sep Soviet Union vetoes UN resolution on KAL Flight 007 destruction: On September 12, 1983, the Soviet Union exercised its veto power to block a United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007, which resulted in the deaths of 269 people. This action intensified international tensions during the Cold War. source: washingtonpost.com
14 Sep US House condemns Soviet downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007: On September 14, 1983, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning the Soviet Union for the downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007. The flight was shot down by Soviet fighter jets after it strayed into prohibited airspace, resulting in the deaths of all 269 passengers and crew. This incident heightened tensions during the Cold War and drew international condemnation of Soviet actions. source: nytimes.com
15 Sep Menachem Begin resigns as Israeli Prime Minister: Menachem Begin, the sixth Prime Minister of Israel, announced his resignation on September 15, 1983, after a prolonged period of political turmoil and personal health issues. His resignation marked the end of a significant era in Israeli politics, as he was a key figure in the Likud party and had led the country through critical events, including the 1982 Lebanon War. His departure led to a shift in leadership and policy direction within the Israeli government. source: britannica.com
26 Sep Stanislav Petrov prevents nuclear war: On September 26, 1983, Soviet officer Stanislav Petrov was on duty at a nuclear early-warning center when the system falsely detected incoming U.S. missiles. He judged the warning to be a false alarm and did not report it, preventing a potential nuclear conflict. Later investigations confirmed the system's malfunction. source: bbc.com
29 Sep Congress passes Multinational Force in Lebanon Resolution: On September 29, 1983, Congress passed the Multinational Force in Lebanon Resolution, invoking Section 4(a)(1) of the War Powers Resolution for the first time. This legislation authorized the continued participation of U.S. Marines in the Multinational Force in Lebanon for 18 months, with specific conditions under which the authorization would terminate earlier. source: congress.gov
05 Oct Lech Wałęsa awarded Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in Poland: Lech Wałęsa, the leader of the Solidarity movement in Poland, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on October 5, 1983. He was recognized for his non-violent struggle for human rights and democracy in Poland during a time of political repression. Wałęsa's efforts played a significant role in the eventual fall of communism in Eastern Europe. source: britannica.com
14 Oct Grenada leftist coup leads to U.S. invasion: On October 14, 1983, a leftist coup in Grenada resulted in the overthrow of the government led by Maurice Bishop. This event prompted the United States to invade Grenada on October 25, 1983, citing concerns over the safety of American citizens and the spread of communism in the Caribbean. The invasion was met with international controversy but ultimately led to the establishment of a new government in Grenada. source: britannica.com
18 Oct 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit departs for Grenada, diverted to Beirut: On October 18, 1983, the 22nd Marine Amphibious Unit (MAU) departed the United States for Beirut, Lebanon. Less than two days into its trans-Atlantic voyage, the unit was diverted to the southern Caribbean to participate in Operation Urgent Fury, the invasion of Grenada, on October 25, 1983. After the operation, the MAU continued to Beirut, arriving in early November 1983. source: 22ndmeu.marines.mil
19 Oct Maurice Bishop executed during Grenada's political crisis: On October 19, 1983, Grenadian Prime Minister Maurice Bishop was executed by firing squad during a coup led by Deputy Prime Minister Bernard Coard. Bishop had been deposed and placed under house arrest on October 13, 1983. After being freed by supporters, he was captured and executed along with several cabinet members at Fort Rupert in St. George's. This event led to widespread protests and, six days later, a U.S.-led invasion to restore order. source: news.bbc.co.uk
22 Oct Beirut barracks bombing occurred on October 22, 1983: The Beirut barracks bombing was a terrorist attack that took place on October 22, 1983, targeting U.S. and French military personnel in Lebanon. Two truck bombs exploded at separate barracks, killing 241 American servicemen and 58 French paratroopers. This incident significantly impacted U.S. foreign policy in the region and is remembered as one of the deadliest attacks against American forces since World War II. source: britannica.com
25 Oct U.S. invasion of Grenada: Operation Urgent Fury: On October 25, 1983, the United States, along with Caribbean allies, initiated Operation Urgent Fury to invade Grenada. The operation aimed to protect American citizens, restore democratic governance, and eliminate Cuban influence on the island. The invasion led to the swift overthrow of the People's Revolutionary Government and the establishment of a new government acceptable to the United States. source: history.com
27 Oct Protests against U.S. invasion of Grenada: On October 27, 1983, numerous protests erupted across the United States in response to the U.S.-led invasion of Grenada. Demonstrations took place on college campuses and in front of federal buildings, with over 1,600 Americans participating. The protests were generally peaceful, though some led to arrests, including five individuals who briefly occupied the Statue of Liberty. Counter-demonstrations also occurred, with some participants expressing support for the invasion. source: digital.bentley.umich.edu
02 Nov Able Archer 83: NATO's 1983 military exercise heightened Cold War nuclear tensions: In November 1983, NATO conducted Able Archer 83, a command post exercise simulating the escalation from conventional to nuclear warfare. The exercise's realistic nature, including new communication codes and radio silences, led the Soviet Union to perceive it as a potential cover for a first-strike nuclear attack, prompting them to raise their alert levels and prepare their nuclear forces. source: wired.com
03 Nov Battle of Tripoli erupts in northern Lebanon: On November 3, 1983, intense fighting broke out in Tripoli, Lebanon, between pro-Syrian Palestinian factions and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) led by Yasser Arafat. The conflict resulted in the PLO's withdrawal from Lebanon and marked a significant shift in the Lebanese Civil War. source: washingtonpost.com
07 Nov NATO's Able Archer 83 exercise heightened Cold War tensions: In November 1983, NATO conducted the Able Archer 83 exercise, simulating a nuclear conflict escalation. The exercise's realistic nature and new procedures led the Soviet Union to perceive it as a potential cover for a preemptive nuclear strike, prompting them to raise their alert levels. This incident is considered one of the closest moments the world came to nuclear war during the Cold War. source: washingtonpost.com
11 Nov Reagan addresses Japanese parliament, November 11, 1983: On November 11, 1983, President Ronald Reagan became the first U.S. president to address the Japanese Diet, Japan's national parliament. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of nuclear disarmament, stating, "A nuclear war can never be won and must never be fought." He also called for a "powerful partnership for good" between the U.S. and Japan, highlighting shared values and the need for economic cooperation. source: reaganlibrary.gov
24 Nov Israel and PLO conduct large-scale prisoner exchange: On November 24, 1983, Israel released approximately 4,600 Palestinian and Lebanese prisoners in exchange for six Israeli soldiers held by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The exchange was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross and aimed to alleviate tensions in the region. The six Israeli soldiers had been captured in September 1982 during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and had been held by the PLO in Tripoli, Lebanon. The release of the prisoners was seen as a significant humanitarian gesture and was welcomed by both parties. However, the exchange also raised concerns about the future security situation in the region, as many of the released prisoners were members of militant groups. The operation was one of the largest prisoner exchanges in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. source: washingtonpost.com
25 Nov Syria and Saudi Arabia announce cease-fire in PLO civil war in Tripoli: On November 25, 1983, Syria and Saudi Arabia announced a cease-fire to end the Palestinian civil war in Tripoli, Lebanon. The agreement called for the evacuation of both Yasser Arafat's forces and the Syrian-backed rebels from the northern port city within two weeks. Despite the cease-fire, Arafat expressed concerns about the intentions of the Syrian-backed rebels, who he claimed were preparing another assault on his positions in Tripoli. source: upi.com
26 Nov Brink's-Mat robbery: £26 million gold heist at Heathrow: On November 26, 1983, six armed robbers infiltrated the Brink's-Mat warehouse near Heathrow Airport, London, expecting to steal £1 million in cash. Instead, they discovered three tonnes of gold bullion, 1,000 carats of diamonds, and $250,000 in traveler's cheques, totaling £26 million. The gang disabled security systems, overpowered six guards, and threatened them with gasoline to obtain vault combinations. Despite extensive investigations, most of the gold remains unaccounted for. source: bbc.co.uk
04 Dec US Navy aircraft bomb Syrian positions in Lebanon, two planes downed: On December 4, 1983, U.S. Navy warplanes conducted a retaliatory strike against Syrian positions in Lebanon, targeting anti-aircraft sites southeast of Beirut. During the operation, two American aircraft—a Navy A-6 Intruder and an A-7 Corsair II—were shot down by Syrian forces. One pilot was rescued, while the other was captured by Syrian troops. The airstrike resulted in Syrian casualties, with two soldiers killed and ten wounded. This marked the first American air combat in Lebanon. source: washingtonpost.com
05 Dec Argentine military junta disbands after nearly eight years: On December 5, 1983, the Argentine military junta, which had ruled the country since March 24, 1976, disbanded, marking the final step toward the restoration of democracy. The three-member junta, consisting of Army General Cristino Nicolaides, Navy Admiral Rubén Franco, and Air Force General Augusto Hughes, held a secret meeting at Navy headquarters to dissolve the government statutes in place since the 1976 coup. This event paved the way for the inauguration of President-elect Raúl Alfonsín on December 10, 1983, Argentina's first democratically elected president in nearly a decade. source: upi.com
10 Dec Lech Walesa awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983: Lech Walesa, the leader of the Solidarity movement in Poland, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1983. He received the prize for his efforts to promote peaceful resistance against the communist regime in Poland. Walesa's leadership played a crucial role in advocating for workers' rights and democratic reforms in Eastern Europe. source: britannica.com
13 Dec Turkey forms new civilian government: On December 13, 1983, Turgut Özal of the Motherland Party (ANAP) was appointed Prime Minister, marking the first civilian government in Turkey after the 1980 military coup. The ANAP secured a majority in the November 6, 1983, elections, winning 211 out of 400 seats in the National Assembly. President Kenan Evren ratified Özal's cabinet, signaling a significant shift towards civilian rule. source: csmonitor.com
17 Dec Harrods bombing by Provisional IRA: On December 17, 1983, a car bomb exploded outside Harrods department store in London, killing six people—including three police officers—and injuring 90 others. The Provisional IRA claimed responsibility, stating the attack was unauthorized by its Army Council and expressing regret for the civilian casualties. The bombing led to increased security measures in London and marked a shift in the IRA's tactics towards targeting military objectives in England. source: bbc.co.uk
26 Dec Soviet Union conducts nuclear test in Kazakhstan: On December 26, 1983, the Soviet Union conducted a nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. This test was part of a series of nuclear detonations carried out by the USSR during the Cold War, contributing to international concerns about nuclear proliferation and environmental impacts. The Semipalatinsk site was one of the primary locations for Soviet nuclear testing from 1949 until 1989. source: britannica.com
27 Dec Buffalo propane explosion kills five firefighters and two civilians: On December 27, 1983, a propane gas leak in a Buffalo, New York warehouse led to a catastrophic explosion, resulting in the deaths of five firefighters and two civilians. The blast destroyed the four-story building and damaged numerous surrounding structures. The incident remains the deadliest in Buffalo Fire Department history. source: en.wikipedia.org
29 Dec United States announces withdrawal from UNESCO: On December 29, 1983, the U.S. State Department announced that, with President Reagan's approval, the United States would withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at the end of 1984. The decision was based on concerns over UNESCO's perceived hostility toward the basic institutions of a free society, including the free market and the free press, as well as its unrestrained budgetary expansion. source: washingtonpost.com
30 Dec Salvadoran guerrillas attack El Paraiso garrison: On December 30, 1983, approximately 800 Salvadoran guerrillas launched a coordinated assault on the 4th Infantry Brigade garrison in El Paraiso, Chalatenango province. The attack involved mortar fire and simultaneous raids on 25 military installations in the region. The Salvadoran Army responded by deploying 400 troops from the U.S.-trained Belloso battalion and utilizing U.S.-supplied warjets to recapture the facility. The garrison was eventually retaken after a daylong battle, with reports indicating that the guerrillas burned the fort before retreating. source: upi.com

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