1990 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1990 Terrorism & Security Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 09 Apr IRA bombing kills four UDR soldiers in County Down, Northern Ireland: On April 9, 1990, the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) detonated a massive improvised landmine under a British Army convoy on Ballydugan Road, near Downpatrick, County Down, Northern Ireland. The explosion killed four soldiers of the Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) and injured four others. The attack was the deadliest against the UDR since 1983. The IRA's South Down Brigade claimed responsibility for the bombing. source: washingtonpost.com
- 27 May César Gaviria Trujillo elected President of Colombia: On May 27, 1990, César Gaviria Trujillo, candidate of the ruling Liberal Party, was elected president of Colombia, securing approximately 48% of the vote. His victory followed the assassination of Liberal candidate Luis Carlos Galán in August 1989. Gaviria's campaign focused on intensifying efforts against drug traffickers and addressing the challenges posed by 'narco-terrorism.' source: washingtonpost.com
- 20 Aug Iraq moves Western hostages to military sites as human shields: On August 20, 1990, Iraq announced it had relocated Western detainees to vital military targets, fulfilling its threat to use them as human shields against potential American attacks. This action was part of Iraq's broader strategy to deter military intervention by leveraging hostages. The United Nations Security Council condemned Iraq's actions, emphasizing the use of civilians as human shields as a grave violation of international law. source: washingtonpost.com
- 24 Aug Brian Keenan released from hostage situation in Lebanon: On August 24, 1990, after over four years in captivity, Irish-English teacher Brian Keenan was released by his captors in Beirut. He was handed over to Syrian officials and subsequently reunited with his family in Ireland. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 25 Aug Iraq moves Western hostages to military sites as human shields: On August 20, 1990, Iraq announced it had relocated Western detainees to vital military targets, effectively using them as human shields against potential American attacks. This action was part of Iraq's strategy to deter military intervention by leveraging hostages as deterrents. The United Nations Security Council had previously demanded Iraq release all foreigners and ensure their safety, but Iraq's actions violated these resolutions. source: washingtonpost.com
- 27 Sep Gunman holds 33 people hostage in Berkeley bar, killing one: On September 27, 1990, Mehrdad Dashti, a 29-year-old Iranian immigrant with schizophrenia, entered Henry's Pub near the University of California, Berkeley, and opened fire, killing one student and wounding seven others. He then held 33 hostages for seven hours, during which he made irrational demands and sexually assaulted some female hostages. Police stormed the bar, fatally shooting Dashti and rescuing the remaining hostages. source: washingtonpost.com
- 23 Oct Iraq Releases French Hostages During Gulf Crisis: On October 23, 1990, Iraq released French hostages during the Gulf Crisis.
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