1987 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1987 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 16 Jan Ecuadorian President kidnapped by air force troops: On January 16, 1987, President León Febres Cordero was taken hostage by disgruntled air force commandos during a ceremony at Taura Air Base near Guayaquil. The soldiers demanded the release of General Frank Vargas Pazzos, who had been imprisoned after leading a failed military rebellion in March 1986. After 11 hours, Febres Cordero agreed to the demand, and Vargas was released, leading to the president's safe return. source: upi.com
- 20 Jan Terry Waite kidnapped in Beirut while negotiating hostages' release: On January 20, 1987, Terry Waite, the Anglican Church envoy, was abducted in Beirut during his mission to negotiate the release of Western hostages. He was last seen leaving his hotel to meet with Islamic Jihad representatives but disappeared without a trace. Waite was held captive for nearly five years before being released in November 1991. source: washingtonpost.com
- 22 Apr Sri Lanka Air Force bombs Tamil separatist strongholds, killing 80 rebels: On April 22, 1987, the Sri Lankan Air Force conducted airstrikes on Tamil separatist bases in the northern region, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 rebels. This action was in retaliation for a car bomb attack in Colombo that killed over 100 people. The government stated that the bombings would continue until Tamil separatists ceased attacks on civilians and agreed to peace talks. source: latimes.com
- 17 Jun ABC journalist Charles Glass kidnapped in Lebanon: On June 17, 1987, American journalist Charles Glass was abducted in West Beirut while traveling with Ali Osseiran, son of Lebanon's Defense Minister, and their driver. Glass was held hostage for 62 days before escaping on August 18, 1987. source: washingtonpost.com
- 08 Nov Enniskillen Remembrance Day Bombing: On November 8, 1987, a Provisional IRA bomb exploded near the cenotaph in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, during a Remembrance Sunday ceremony. The attack resulted in 11 fatalities and 63 injuries, making it the deadliest incident in Northern Ireland in five years. The victims included civilians and a police officer, with a 12th person dying after 13 years in a coma. The bombing was widely condemned and led to significant political repercussions. source: theguardian.com
- 29 Nov Korean Air Flight 858 bombing occurred on November 29, 1987: Korean Air Flight 858 was a scheduled flight from Baghdad to Seoul that was bombed on November 29, 1987, by North Korean agents. The bombing resulted in the deaths of all 115 passengers and crew on board. This act of terrorism was part of North Korea's efforts to destabilize the South Korean government and has had lasting implications for inter-Korean relations. source: britannica.com
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