1985 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights

1985 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

29 Jan Oxford University denies Thatcher honorary degree: On January 29, 1985, Oxford University's governing assembly, Congregation, voted 738 to 319 against awarding Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher an honorary doctorate. This unprecedented decision was a protest against her government's cuts in education funding, marking the first time an Oxford-educated prime minister was denied this honor. source: theguardian.com
08 Feb Kim Dae Jung returns to South Korea after exile: On February 8, 1985, former South Korean opposition leader Kim Dae Jung returned to South Korea after years of exile. His return marked a significant moment in South Korea's political landscape, as he had been a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement against the authoritarian regime. Kim's return was celebrated by supporters and symbolized a shift towards greater political openness in the country. source: bbc.com
10 Feb Soviet Union conducts nuclear test in Kazakhstan: On February 10, 1985, 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
16 Feb Hezbollah officially founded in Lebanon: Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group and political party, was officially founded in Lebanon on February 16, 1985. The organization emerged during the Lebanese Civil War and has since played a significant role in Lebanese politics and regional conflicts, particularly against Israel. Its founding was influenced by the Iranian Revolution and the desire to resist Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon. source: bbc.com
01 Mar Pentagon acknowledges potential for nuclear winter from atomic war: In March 1985, the Pentagon released a report titled "The Potential Effects of Nuclear War on the Climate," acknowledging that a nuclear exchange could produce a "nuclear winter" effect. The report stated that while a nuclear war would be catastrophic, the current U.S. nuclear strategy and arms control efforts remained sound despite the nuclear winter phenomenon. source: latimes.com
11 Mar Gorbachev becomes Soviet leader and initiates transformative reforms: Mikhail Gorbachev was appointed General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union on March 11, 1985. His leadership marked the beginning of significant reforms, including glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), aimed at revitalizing the Soviet economy and society. These policies ultimately contributed to the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. source: britannica.com
16 Mar Terry Anderson hostage crisis begins in Lebanon: On March 16, 1985, Terry Anderson, a journalist for the Associated Press, was kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon, by a group linked to Hezbollah. His abduction marked the beginning of a prolonged hostage crisis in Lebanon, where numerous foreign nationals were taken captive during the civil war. Anderson was held for nearly seven years before being released in December 1991. source: apnews.com
06 Apr Sudanese military coup ousts President Nimeiry: On April 6, 1985, a military coup led by Defense Minister Abdel Rahman Swar al-Dahab overthrew President Gaafar Nimeiry's government in Sudan. The coup was precipitated by widespread protests against rising food prices and economic hardships. Nimeiry, who was in the United States at the time, fled to Egypt. The new military government suspended the constitution, dissolved the ruling party, and established a transitional military council to govern the country. source: washingtonpost.com
09 Apr Sinking of the Rainbow Warrior by French intelligence operation: On April 9, 1985, the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior was sunk in Auckland Harbour, New Zealand, by agents of the French intelligence service. The operation aimed to prevent Greenpeace from interfering with French nuclear testing in the Pacific. The attack resulted in the death of photographer Fernando Pereira and significant international backlash against France. source: bbc.com
15 Apr South Africa announces repeal of laws prohibiting interracial marriage and sex: On April 15, 1985, the South African government announced plans to repeal the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act of 1949 and Section 16 of the Immorality Act of 1957, which had previously banned marriages and sexual relations between white and non-white individuals. This decision marked a significant step toward ending apartheid-era racial segregation policies. source: upi.com
21 Apr Bomb Attack in Brussels: A bomb attack occurs at the NATO/AEG-Telefunken building in Brussels, Belgium, highlighting ongoing security tensions during the Cold War era.
20 May FBI arrests major Soviet spy in 1985: On May 20, 1985, the FBI arrested Aldrich Ames, a CIA officer who was later revealed to be a major Soviet spy. Ames was charged with espionage for providing the Soviet Union with classified information, which compromised numerous U.S. intelligence operations and led to the execution of several agents. His arrest marked a significant moment in Cold War espionage history. source: fbi.gov
25 May Severe cyclone strikes Bangladesh, causing widespread devastation: On May 25, 1985, a severe cyclone made landfall near Chittagong, Bangladesh, bringing winds up to 96 mph (154 km/h) and a storm surge near 10 feet (3 m). The storm inundated many islands, resulting in over 11,000 fatalities and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. Despite ample warning, inadequate shelter and transportation contributed to the high death toll. source: aoml.noaa.gov
28 May David Jacobsen kidnapped in Beirut: David Jacobsen, an American hospital administrator, was kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon, on May 28, 1985. He was taken by a group linked to Hezbollah and held for 17 months before being released. His abduction was part of a series of kidnappings of Westerners during the Lebanese Civil War, which heightened tensions in the region and drew international attention. source: nytimes.com
31 May Guatemala adopts new constitution after civil war: On May 31, 1985, Guatemala adopted a new constitution aimed at establishing democratic governance and addressing human rights issues following years of civil conflict. This reform was a significant step towards peace and stability in the country, promoting civil liberties and political participation. The constitution has undergone various amendments since its adoption, reflecting ongoing challenges in Guatemalan politics. source: loc.gov
02 Jun Leonard Lake arrested in South San Francisco: On June 2, 1985, Leonard Lake was arrested in South San Francisco for shoplifting a vise from a hardware store. During the arrest, police discovered a firearm with an illegal silencer in his vehicle. Lake was later identified as a suspect in a series of murders and suicided in custody four days later. source: latimes.com
06 Jun Josef Mengele's remains exhumed in Brazil: On June 6, 1985, Brazilian authorities exhumed a body from a cemetery in Embu, near São Paulo, believed to be that of Nazi war criminal Josef Mengele. Forensic examinations, including dental analysis, indicated a high probability that the remains were indeed Mengele's. His son, Rolf Mengele, confirmed the identity on June 10, 1985, stating that the news of his father's death had been concealed to protect those who had sheltered him. source: washingtonpost.com
10 Jun French agents sink Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior: On June 10, 1985, the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior was bombed in Auckland Harbour, New Zealand, by French intelligence agents. The attack was aimed at preventing Greenpeace from interfering with French nuclear testing in the Pacific. The bombing resulted in the death of photographer Fernando Pereira and significant international backlash against France. source: bbc.com
19 Jun 1985 Zona Rosa attack in San Salvador: On June 19, 1985, during the Salvadoran Civil War, gunmen disguised as Salvadoran soldiers attacked the Zona Rosa restaurant area in San Salvador. The assault resulted in the deaths of twelve people, including four U.S. Marines, two U.S. businessmen, a Guatemalan, a Chilean, and four Salvadorans. The Revolutionary Party of Central American Workers (PRTC) and its armed wing, the Mardoqueo Cruz Urban Commando, claimed responsibility for the attack. source: oig.justice.gov
25 Jun Police thwart suspected IRA bombing campaign targeting UK resorts: In June 1985, British police uncovered a suspected IRA plot to bomb 12 seaside resorts across the UK during the summer season. Thirteen individuals were arrested in connection with the scheme, including Patrick Magee, who had previously been convicted for the 1984 Brighton hotel bombing. The police operation successfully prevented potential attacks that could have caused significant harm to civilians. source: news.bbc.co.uk
02 Jul Mikhail Gorbachev becomes General Secretary of the Soviet Union: On July 2, 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev was appointed General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. His leadership marked a significant shift in Soviet policies, introducing reforms such as glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), which aimed to modernize the Soviet economy and society. Gorbachev's tenure ultimately played a crucial role in the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. source: britannica.com
03 Jul CBS announces $954.8 million stock buyback to counter Ted Turner's takeover bid: On July 3, 1985, CBS announced a plan to repurchase 21% of its outstanding shares for $150 each, totaling $954.8 million. This move aimed to thwart Ted Turner's hostile takeover attempt by increasing CBS's debt and implementing 'poison-pill' provisions to complicate Turner's bid. The buyback offer was set to expire on July 31, 1985. source: latimes.com
08 Jul Reagan addresses terrorism at ABA conference: On July 8, 1985, President Ronald Reagan addressed the American Bar Association's National Convention, discussing international terrorism. He identified Iran, Libya, North Korea, Cuba, and Nicaragua as a "confederation of terrorist states" engaged in acts of war against the U.S. Reagan emphasized the need for legal tools in international law to combat terrorism and called for a concerted effort to ensure terrorists have no sanctuary anywhere. source: reaganfoundation.org
10 Jul French agents bomb Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior in Auckland Harbour: On July 10, 1985, French secret service agents planted two bombs on the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in Auckland Harbour, New Zealand. The explosions sank the vessel, resulting in the death of photographer Fernando Pereira. The attack aimed to prevent Greenpeace from protesting French nuclear testing in the Pacific. Two French agents were arrested and later released after serving prison sentences in New Zealand. The incident led to a diplomatic dispute between New Zealand and France. source: history.com
15 Aug Iraqi air raid on Kharg Island oil terminal: On August 15, 1985, Iraq launched a significant airstrike on Iran's Kharg Island oil terminal, a vital facility for Iranian oil exports. The attack resulted in substantial damage to the terminal's infrastructure, including storage tanks and pipelines. Despite the destruction, Iran managed to maintain its oil export operations, though at reduced levels. The raid marked a significant escalation in the Iran-Iraq War's 'tanker war' phase, targeting critical oil infrastructure to disrupt Iran's economy. source: latimes.com
26 Aug French government denies involvement in Rainbow Warrior assault: On August 26, 1985, the French government officially denied any involvement in the bombing of the Greenpeace ship, the Rainbow Warrior, in Auckland, New Zealand. The attack, which resulted in the death of a photographer and injuries to others, was later attributed to French intelligence operatives. This incident sparked international outrage and led to significant diplomatic tensions between France and New Zealand. source: theguardian.com
05 Sep John Howard becomes Australian Opposition Leader: On September 5, 1985, John Howard was elected as the Leader of the Opposition in Australia, succeeding Andrew Peacock. This leadership change marked a significant shift in the Liberal Party's direction, with Howard advocating for economic liberalism and social conservatism. His tenure as Opposition Leader lasted until 1989, after which he returned to the role in 1995, eventually becoming Prime Minister in 1996. source: naa.gov.au
21 Sep CIA officer Edward Lee Howard defects to Soviet Union: On September 21, 1985, Edward Lee Howard, a former CIA officer, defected to the Soviet Union. Howard had been dismissed from the CIA in 1983 due to issues related to drug use and mental instability. After his defection, he was granted political asylum in the Soviet Union, marking the first known case of a CIA officer defecting to the USSR. His actions were considered highly damaging to U.S. intelligence operations. source: washingtonpost.com
22 Sep France admits Rainbow Warrior attack: On September 22, 1985, French Prime Minister Laurent Fabius publicly acknowledged that agents of the French secret service, the DGSE, had sunk the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in New Zealand's Auckland harbor on July 10, 1985. The attack resulted in the death of a Greenpeace photographer and was intended to prevent protests against French nuclear testing. Fabius stated, "Agents of the DGSE sank this boat. They acted on orders." source: washingtonpost.com
02 Oct Mikhail Gorbachev visits Paris for a summit: On October 2, 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, visited Paris to attend a summit with Western leaders. This visit marked a significant moment in Cold War diplomacy, as Gorbachev sought to improve relations with the West and promote his policies of glasnost and perestroika. The summit was part of broader efforts to reduce tensions between the East and West during this period. source: bbc.com
10 Oct Sudan adopts interim constitution following 1985 coup: On October 10, 1985, Sudan's Transitional Military Council (TMC), which had overthrown President Gaafar Nimeiry in April 1985, adopted an interim constitution. This constitution suspended the previous 1973 constitution and established a framework for governance during the transitional period. The TMC, led by Lieutenant General Abdel Rahman Swar al-Dahab, dissolved the Sudanese Socialist Union party, the secret police, and the parliament, and released political detainees from Kober Prison. source: en.wikipedia.org
25 Nov Soviet Antonov An-12 shot down in Angola: On November 25, 1985, an Aeroflot Antonov An-12BP cargo aircraft, operated by the Soviet Air Force, was shot down by South African Special Forces while en route from Cuito Cuanavale to Luanda, Angola. The aircraft crashed approximately 43 kilometers east of Menongue in the Cuando Cubango province, resulting in the deaths of all 21 occupants, including eight crew members and 13 passengers. Eyewitnesses and investigative reports indicated that the aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile, likely a Soviet-made 9K31 Strela-1 system captured by South African forces. The incident occurred during the Angolan Civil War and the South African Border War, amidst operations involving the Soviet Union-backed People's Armed Forces for the Liberation of Angola (FAPLA) against the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), which received support from South Africa. source: en.wikipedia.org
29 Nov Assassination of Gérard Hoarau in London: Gérard Hoarau, a Seychellois political activist and leader of the Mouvement Pour La Résistance (MPR), was assassinated on November 29, 1985, in Edgware, North London. He was shot multiple times on his doorstep by an unidentified gunman. The British police have never solved his murder, but the René government was highly implicated. As well as the hired hit-man, British police also believed that there was another individual—believed to be a Seychellois—who knew Hoarau and was able to identify him to the foreign assassin. Neither Hoarau's assassin nor his accomplice has been caught. British police did arrest a number for tapping Hoarau's telephone line, who were recommended to the Seychelles government by Ian Withers, who worked as a security adviser and was himself arrested in 2018. source: en.wikipedia.org
05 Dec UK conducts nuclear test at Christmas Island: On December 5, 1985, the United Kingdom conducted a nuclear test at Christmas Island, part of a series of tests known as the 'Operation Grapple' series. This test was part of the UK's efforts to develop and maintain its nuclear deterrent capabilities during the Cold War. The test raised significant international concern regarding nuclear proliferation and environmental impacts. source: britannica.com
19 Dec Hijacking of Aeroflot Flight 101/435 to China: On December 19, 1985, Aeroflot Flight 101/435, an Antonov An-24 aircraft, was hijacked by co-pilot Shamil Alimuradov during a domestic flight from Takhtamygda to Chita. Armed with a hatchet, Alimuradov diverted the plane toward China, demanding a landing in Hailar. Due to fuel exhaustion, the aircraft made an emergency landing in a rice field in Heilongjiang Province, China. Alimuradov was apprehended by Chinese authorities, and all 46 passengers and 5 crew members returned safely to the Soviet Union on December 21. In March 1986, Alimuradov was convicted of hijacking by a Chinese court and sentenced to eight years in prison. source: latimes.com
28 Dec Lebanese militia leaders sign Syrian-brokered peace accord: On December 28, 1985, leaders of Lebanon's three major militias—the Shiite Amal movement, the Druze Progressive Socialist Party, and the Christian Lebanese Forces—signed a Syrian-mediated peace agreement in Damascus. The accord aimed to end a decade-long civil war by establishing a ceasefire and initiating political reforms to balance power between Lebanon's Christian and Muslim communities. Despite the agreement, skepticism remained among many Lebanese regarding its implementation and the influence of Syria in Lebanese affairs. source: washingtonpost.com
29 Dec Ronald Reagan's presidency and key events in 1985: Ronald Reagan served as the 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. In 1985, significant events included the signing of the Plaza Accord aimed at stabilizing currency exchange rates and the continued escalation of the Cold War. Reagan's policies during this period focused on economic recovery and military buildup, which shaped U.S. domestic and foreign policy. source: archives.gov

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