1998 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1998 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 11 Jan Sidi-Hamed Massacre in Algeria: On January 11, 1998, a massacre occurred in Sidi-Hamed, Algeria, where armed groups killed numerous civilians. This event is part of the Algerian Civil War, which saw widespread violence and human rights abuses. The massacre highlighted the brutal conflict between government forces and Islamist militants. source: bbc.com
- 28 Feb Likoshane massacre triggers Kosovo war: The Likoshane massacre occurred on February 28, 1998, when Serbian forces killed several ethnic Albanians. This event was pivotal in escalating the conflict into the Kosovo War, drawing international attention. source: bbc.com
- 05 Mar Workplace violence tragedy: On March 5, 1998, a tragic incident of workplace violence occurred, resulting in multiple casualties. This event raised awareness about the need for better workplace safety measures and mental health support for employees. source: apa.org
- 13 Mar U.S. shifts diplomatic stance on China: On March 13, 1998, the United States announced a significant shift in its diplomatic approach towards China, emphasizing engagement and cooperation. This change was part of a broader strategy to address various geopolitical issues. source: state.gov
- 26 Mar Oued Bouaïcha massacre during Algerian Civil War: In the municipality of Bouira Lahdab, near Had Sahary, 47 people, including 27 children under sixteen, are killed by about fifteen men carrying axes and knives. Three young women are also kidnapped. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Apr UN report on Iraq's biological weapons program: On April 8, 1998, the United Nations released a report detailing Iraq's biological weapons program. The report highlighted concerns regarding Iraq's compliance with disarmament obligations following the Gulf War. It emphasized the need for continued monitoring and verification of Iraq's weapons capabilities. source: un.org
- 17 Apr Terrorist Bomb Plot Against El Al Flight Prevented: On April 17, 1998, Israeli authorities thwarted a terrorist bomb plot targeting an El Al flight from London to Tel Aviv. source: jpost.com
- 24 Apr UN Security Council Maintains Iraq Sanctions: On April 24, 1998, the United Nations Security Council voted to continue sanctions against Iraq. The sanctions, imposed after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, remained in place as the international community sought to enforce compliance with UN resolutions regarding weapons inspections and disarmament. source: un.org
- 30 Apr U.S. Senate approves NATO expansion to Eastern Europe: On April 30, 1998, the U.S. Senate voted 80-19 to approve the accession of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic into NATO, marking the alliance's first expansion since the Cold War. source: washingtonpost.com
- 19 May USS Yorktown wreck located off the coast of Charleston: On May 19, 1998, the wreck of the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier sunk during the Battle of Midway in World War II, was located off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. The discovery was made by a team of researchers and has since contributed to historical studies of naval warfare. source: history.com
- 23 May Good Friday Agreement referendum: On May 23, 1998, voters in Northern Ireland participated in a referendum to approve the Good Friday Agreement, a major political development aimed at ending decades of conflict. The agreement was overwhelmingly supported, marking a significant step towards peace. source: bbc.com
- 27 May Michael Fortier sentenced for Oklahoma City bombing involvement: Michael Fortier was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing. He was convicted of failing to warn authorities about the attack planned by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. Fortier's cooperation with the investigation was noted during sentencing. source: nytimes.com
- 01 Jun Escalation of the Yugoslav conflict in Kosovo: On June 1, 1998, the conflict in Kosovo escalated, with increased violence and military actions reported. This period marked a significant turning point in the Yugoslav Wars, drawing international attention. source: bbc.com
- 07 Jun Guinea-Bissau Civil War Begins: On June 7, 1998, Brigadier-General Ansumane Mané led a military coup against President João Bernardo Vieira in Guinea-Bissau. The coup attempt escalated into a civil war, resulting in significant casualties and displacement. The conflict lasted until May 10, 1999, leading to Vieira's ousting. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Jun Death of Nigerian Military Dictator Sani Abacha: On June 8, 1998, Nigerian military leader General Sani Abacha died suddenly in office. His death led to a transition towards civilian rule in Nigeria, culminating in the election of Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999. source: britannica.com
- 12 Jun NATO warns Serbs over Kosovo attacks: On June 12, 1998, NATO issued a warning to Serbian forces regarding their military actions in Kosovo. The alliance expressed concern over escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis in the region, urging a cessation of hostilities. source: nato.int
- 13 Jun Death of Nigerian dictator Sani Abacha: Sani Abacha, the military ruler of Nigeria, died on June 13, 1998. His death marked the end of a controversial regime characterized by human rights abuses and corruption, leading to a transition towards civilian rule in Nigeria. source: bbc.com
- 23 Jun Nerve gas evidence on missile warheads: On June 23, 1998, reports emerged regarding the presence of nerve gas evidence on missile warheads, raising concerns about chemical weapons proliferation. This information was part of ongoing discussions about global security and arms control. source: reuters.com
- 15 Jul Assassination of Tamil MP during Sri Lankan Civil War: On July 15, 1998, a Tamil Member of Parliament was assassinated in Sri Lanka, highlighting the ongoing violence and political instability during the Sri Lankan Civil War. This event underscored the deep ethnic divisions and the challenges faced in achieving peace in the region. The assassination drew international condemnation and raised concerns about the safety of political figures in conflict zones. source: bbc.com
- 04 Aug Start of the Second Congo War: On August 4, 1998, rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo initiated an uprising against President Laurent-Désiré Kabila's government, marking the beginning of the Second Congo War. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 Aug US warns Congo's neighbors against intervention: On August 5, 1998, the United States issued a warning to the neighboring countries of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, urging them not to intervene in the internal conflict that had erupted within the country. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Aug Second Congo War: Defensive action in Kinshasa: On August 28, 1998, during the Second Congo War, forces from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) engaged in heavy artillery bombardments targeting densely populated neighborhoods in Kinshasa, including Kimbanseke, Masina, and Ndjili. These attacks resulted in approximately 50 civilian deaths and 282 injuries, leading to mass displacement as residents fled to other parts of the city. source: mapping-report.org
- 30 Aug Second Congo War: Strategic recapture of Matadi and Inga Dams: On August 30, 1998, during the Second Congo War, forces from the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL), supported by Rwandan and Ugandan troops, recaptured the strategic port city of Matadi and the Inga Dams from the Congolese Armed Forces (FAC) and Zimbabwean forces. This victory secured vital infrastructure and control over key transportation routes. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Sep Rebels capture Goma in Second Congo War: On September 1, 1998, rebel forces captured the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the Second Congo War. This event marked a significant escalation in the conflict, which involved multiple African nations and various armed groups. source: bbc.com
- 12 Sep 1998 Bosnian general election: The 1998 Bosnian general election was held on September 12, 1998, marking a significant step in the post-war political landscape of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The elections were crucial for establishing a stable government in the region. source: bbc.com
- 03 Oct Australian Federal Election: John Howard re-elected: On October 3, 1998, Australian Prime Minister John Howard's Liberal/National Coalition was re-elected, securing 80 seats in the House of Representatives and 15 seats in the Senate. source: aec.gov.au
- 16 Oct Pinochet arrested in London: Former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet was arrested in London on October 16, 1998, based on an international warrant issued by a Spanish judge. His arrest marked a significant moment in international law regarding human rights and accountability for past crimes. source: bbc.com
- 10 Nov Indonesian Heroes' Day Battle: Heavy fighting erupted in Surabaya between Indonesian nationalists and returning Dutch colonialists after World War II. This conflict is now commemorated as Heroes' Day (Hari Pahlawan) in Indonesia, symbolizing the struggle for independence.
- 13 Nov Iraq airstrikes averted: On November 13, 1998, the United States announced that it had averted airstrikes against Iraq after Iraq agreed to allow UN weapons inspectors back into the country. This decision was part of ongoing tensions regarding Iraq's compliance with UN resolutions following the Gulf War. source: reuters.com
- 11 Dec Clinton Impeachment Proceedings Advance: On December 11, 1998, the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee approved articles of impeachment against President Bill Clinton, advancing the process toward a full House vote. source: archives.gov
- 14 Dec Yugoslav Army ambushes Kosovo Liberation Army: On December 14, 1998, the Yugoslav Army ambushed a group of 140 Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) militants attempting to smuggle weapons and supplies from Albania into Kosovo. The five-hour battle resulted in 36 militants killed, 12 wounded, and 9 captured, with the Yugoslav forces suffering no casualties. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Dec U.S. military confrontation with Iraq in no-fly zone: On December 28, 1998, U.S. military forces engaged in confrontations with Iraqi aircraft in the no-fly zone established after the Gulf War. This incident was part of ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iraq. source: nytimes.com
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