2015 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights

2015 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to

02 Jan Somali al-Shabaab Attack on Army Base: During the ongoing Somali Civil War, seven soldiers were killed when al-Shabaab militants launched a coordinated attack on an army base near Baidoa, highlighting the persistent insurgency and instability in the region.
05 Jan Libyan Warplane Attacks Greek Oil Tanker: During the Libyan Civil War, a Libyan warplane launched an unprovoked attack on a Greek-operated oil tanker off the coast of Derna, resulting in the deaths of two sailors - one Greek and one Romanian. The Greek government strongly condemned the attack and demanded accountability.
09 Jan Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack conclusion: On January 9, 2015, the two gunmen responsible for the Charlie Hebdo shooting, Chérif and Saïd Kouachi, were killed by French police in a standoff at a printing warehouse in Dammartin-en-Goële, ending a two-day manhunt. source: britannica.com
12 Jan ISIL Cyber Attack on US Central Command: Apparent Islamic State (ISIL) hackers launched a cyber attack on the United States Central Command's social media platforms, including Twitter and YouTube, highlighting growing digital warfare tactics.
15 Jan Arrests in Peshawar school massacre: On January 15, 2015, Pakistani authorities announced the arrests of several suspects linked to the Peshawar school massacre that occurred in December 2014. The attack, which killed over 140 people, was carried out by the Taliban and prompted a nationwide crackdown on terrorism. source: bbc.com
16 Jan US Troops to Train Syrian Rebels: The United States Department of Defense announced a strategic plan to deploy 400 troops to Syria in spring 2015 to train and support moderate rebel forces during the ongoing Syrian Civil War.
17 Jan Ukrainian crisis: Donetsk airport conflict escalates: On January 17, 2015, fighting intensified at Donetsk airport in Ukraine, with heavy casualties reported on both sides. This conflict was part of the ongoing war in Eastern Ukraine, which began in 2014 and involved pro-Russian separatists. source: bbc.com
18 Jan Libyan Civil War Ceasefire Attempt: During the ongoing Libyan Civil War (2014-present), a ceasefire was declared simultaneously by the state-sponsored army and Islamist-supported opposition, indicating potential diplomatic efforts to reduce conflict.
22 Jan Donetsk Trolleybus Explosion during War in Donbass: A tragic explosion near a civilian trolleybus in Donetsk resulted in at least 13 fatalities during the ongoing conflict in the Donbass region. Both pro-government and separatist forces accused each other of responsibility for the deadly incident.
26 Jan Kurdish forces recapture Kobanî from ISIL: On January 26, 2015, Kurdish forces declared victory over ISIL in the city of Kobanî, Syria, after months of intense fighting. The recapture was a significant milestone in the battle against ISIL and highlighted the resilience of Kurdish fighters. The victory was celebrated as a turning point in the ongoing conflict in the region. source: bbc.com
03 Feb Egyptian Army Tensions at Gaza Strip: Following an explosion near a convoy, soldiers from the Egyptian Army fired warning shots at the Gaza Strip, further highlighting the ongoing regional instability.
04 Feb Libyan Civil War Continues: During the ongoing Libyan Civil War, armed gunmen stormed the al Mabrook oil field, further destabilizing the region's already fragile security situation.
12 Feb Yemeni Civil War: Al-Qaeda Affiliate Seizes Military Base: Ansar al-Sharia, an Al-Qaeda affiliated militant group, successfully captured a military base in southern Yemen, escalating tensions in the ongoing Yemeni Civil War.
18 Feb Syrian civil war casualties in Aleppo: On February 18, 2015, reports indicated that the ongoing conflict in Aleppo, Syria, resulted in significant casualties, with both military and civilian losses. The situation highlighted the humanitarian crisis and the impact of the war on the local population. source: aljazeera.com
20 Feb Somali civil war attack in Mogadishu: On February 20, 2015, a deadly attack occurred in Mogadishu, Somalia, as militants targeted a hotel, resulting in numerous casualties. This incident underscored the ongoing violence and instability in the region due to the civil war. source: bbc.com
16 Mar Islamic State Hostage Crisis in Sirte, Libya: During the Libyan Civil War, approximately 20 medical staff from Ibn Sina Hospital in Sirte were taken hostage by Islamic State militants, highlighting the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in the region.
17 Mar Assassination of Samiullah Afridi in Peshawar: An unknown assailant kills Samiullah Afridi, a lawyer who previously defended Dr. Shakil Afridi in the CIA operation to locate Osama Bin Laden. Two militant Pakistani groups, Jundullah Ahrar and Jamaatul Ahrar, claim responsibility for the murder.
22 Mar Syrian Civil War Helicopter Incident: A Syrian Armed Forces helicopter crashed in Jabal Al-Zawiya, Idlib Governorate, resulting in the death of one crew member and the capture of four others, further highlighting the ongoing volatility in the Syrian conflict.
24 Mar Afghanistan war attack: An attack in Afghanistan resulted in multiple casualties, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the region. The incident drew attention to the challenges faced by Afghan security forces and the impact of insurgent activities on civilians. source: reuters.com
30 Mar Escalation of the Yemen Crisis: On March 30, 2015, the conflict in Yemen intensified as Saudi Arabia and eight other Arab nations launched airstrikes against Houthi rebels and forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. This military intervention aimed to restore President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power and marked a significant escalation in the Yemeni Civil War.
01 Apr Obama Administration Targets Cyber Attackers with Sanctions: The Obama Administration implemented a sanctions program aimed at combating international cyber attacks, signaling a robust approach to digital security and geopolitical cyber warfare.
05 Apr Sweden Boycotts Moscow's World War II Victory Parade: Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven announced that neither he nor any cabinet-level ministers would attend Moscow's 70th anniversary World War II commemoration, joining an unofficial European diplomatic protest against Russia's actions in Ukraine.
12 Apr Islamic Militants Attack South Korean Embassy in Tripoli: During the ongoing Libyan Civil War (2014-present), Islamic militants launched an attack on the South Korean Embassy in Tripoli, resulting in the death of two embassy guards and injury to another.
13 Apr ISIL Attacks in Tripoli: ISIL loyalists conduct coordinated attacks in Tripoli, damaging the Moroccan Embassy with a bomb blast and assaulting the South Korean diplomatic mission, escalating tensions in the ongoing Libyan Civil War.
14 Apr UN Sanctions Against Houthi Rebels: The United Nations Security Council voted to impose sanctions on Yemen's Houthi rebels, escalating international pressure in the ongoing Yemeni Civil War.
18 Apr Yemeni Civil War Escalation: In April 2015, the Yemeni Civil War intensified as Houthi rebels, supported by forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, advanced southward, capturing key cities including Taiz. This escalation led to significant civilian casualties and heightened regional concerns over the conflict's potential to destabilize the Arabian Peninsula. source: time.com
21 Apr Deadly Restaurant Explosion in Mogadishu: During the ongoing Somali Civil War, a deadly explosion at a restaurant in Mogadishu killed at least 4 people and injured 10 others, highlighting the continued instability in the region.
23 Apr Loretta Lynch confirmed as US Attorney General: On April 23, 2015, Loretta Lynch was confirmed as the first African American woman to serve as the US Attorney General. Her confirmation marked a significant milestone in US history and was seen as a step towards greater diversity in government positions. Lynch had previously served as the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. source: reuters.com
25 Apr Syrian Civil War: Rebels capture Jisr al-Shughur: On April 25, 2015, Syrian rebels captured the strategic town of Jisr al-Shughur from government forces. This victory was significant as it allowed the rebels to gain control over a key area in Idlib province, further escalating the conflict in the region. source: bbc.com
26 Apr Syrian Civil War bombing: On April 26, 2015, airstrikes in Syria intensified as government forces targeted rebel-held areas. The bombings were part of the ongoing conflict, which has seen significant civilian casualties and destruction across the country. source: aljazeera.com
29 Apr Yemeni Civil War incident: On April 29, 2015, during the ongoing Yemeni Civil War, a significant incident occurred involving intense clashes between Houthi rebels and forces loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The fighting resulted in numerous casualties and further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. This escalation highlighted the complexities of the conflict and the challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution. source: aljazeera.com
30 Apr Intense clashes in Yemeni Civil War: On April 30, 2015, intense clashes erupted in Yemen's civil war, particularly in the city of Taiz, as Houthi rebels and forces loyal to President Hadi engaged in heavy fighting. The violence resulted in numerous casualties and further displaced civilians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The conflict's complexity and the involvement of various factions made a peaceful resolution increasingly challenging. source: aljazeera.com
01 May UN warns of humanitarian crisis in Yemen: The United Nations issued a warning regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in Yemen, highlighting the dire conditions faced by civilians due to ongoing conflict and blockades. The situation has led to severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, exacerbating the suffering of millions. source: un.org
07 May Royal Navy Rescues Migrants off Libya: HMS Bulwark, the Royal Navy's flagship, successfully rescued 110 migrants from a precarious dinghy off the coast of Libya. This marked the first such humanitarian rescue operation by a British vessel in 2015, highlighting the ongoing migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.
11 May South Korea warns North Korea over missile defense system: South Korea expressed concerns over North Korea's missile defense system, urging the North to halt its missile tests and comply with international agreements to maintain regional stability. source: aljazeera.com
13 May Syrian Civil War: Strategic Territorial Gains: Hezbollah and Syrian Army successfully captured strategic territories in the Qalamoun mountains north of Damascus, previously controlled by opposition groups, particularly the al-Nusra Front.
19 May Syrian civil war escalation: On May 19, 2015, the Syrian civil war saw a significant escalation as various factions intensified their fighting, leading to increased casualties and displacement. The ongoing conflict continued to draw international attention and humanitarian concerns. source: bbc.com
21 May Mexican drug war violence continues: On May 21, 2015, violence related to the Mexican drug war persisted, with reports of multiple incidents across the country. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and has drawn international attention to the issues of drug trafficking and organized crime. source: bbc.com
22 May World War II Bomb Discovered near Wembley Stadium: Construction crews in London discovered a live 50-kg World War II-era conventional explosive bomb, leading to the evacuation of areas surrounding Wembley Stadium. This incident underscores the lingering remnants of wartime munitions in urban areas.
25 May Syrian Civil War: Turkey-US agreement on opposition support: On May 25, 2015, Turkey and the United States announced an agreement to support moderate Syrian opposition forces in the fight against the Islamic State and the Assad regime. This collaboration aimed to enhance military efforts and stabilize the region amid the ongoing Syrian Civil War. The agreement was part of broader international efforts to address the conflict. source: reuters.com
01 Jun Afghan Charity Workers Killed: In a tragic incident during the ongoing War in Afghanistan, nine Afghan employees of the Czech charity People In Need were murdered by unknown gunmen in the Zari District of northern Afghanistan.
02 Jun Houthi Fighters Ambushed in Yemen: During the ongoing Yemeni Civil War, 18 Houthi fighters were killed by armed tribesmen in an ambush in Yemen's Ibb Governorate, highlighting the complex and violent nature of the conflict.
04 Jun Terrorist Plot Thwarted in Boston: Boston law enforcement fatally shot Usaama Rahim, a 26-year-old man allegedly planning to attack police officers, after intercepting a plot to 'go after those boys in blue'.
11 Jun Spanish royal family scandal: On June 12, 2015, King Felipe VI of Spain revoked the title of Duchess of Palma de Mallorca from his sister, Princess Cristina, due to her involvement in a tax-evasion scandal. The decision was announced through a royal decree published in the official state journal, following embarrassing allegations against Princess Cristina and her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, involving over $6.6 million in public funds. This marks the first instance since the monarchy's restoration in 1975 that a member of the Spanish royal family faces trial. Despite the allegations, Cristina's lawyers maintain her innocence, claiming she was unaware of her husband's financial maneuvers. source: time.com
12 Jun Armed Group Storms Tunisian Embassy in Libya: During the ongoing Libyan Civil War, an armed group invaded the Tunisian Embassy and took ten hostages, escalating tensions in the volatile region and demonstrating the continued instability in Libya.
13 Jun Targeted Airstrike on Terrorist Leader: An American air strike in Libya reportedly killed jihadist leader Mokhtar Belmokhtar, a significant moment in the ongoing War on Terror.
14 Jun Syrian Civil War: Kurdish advance against ISIS: On June 14, 2015, Kurdish forces made significant advances against ISIS in northern Syria, capturing key territories. This marked a crucial phase in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the role of Kurdish fighters in the fight against ISIS. source: bbc.com
15 Jun Syrian Civil War: Kurdish forces capture Tell Abyad: On June 15, 2015, Kurdish forces captured the strategic town of Tell Abyad from ISIS. This victory was significant in the fight against the militant group and helped secure the border area with Turkey. source: reuters.com
01 Jul Yemeni Civil War Escalation: Houthi forces killed at least 18 people near Aden's southern port. Simultaneously, UN officials warned of a rapidly spreading dengue fever outbreak in the war-torn nation, highlighting the humanitarian crisis.
04 Jul Car Bombings in Derna, Libya: Three simultaneous car bombs explode in the eastern Libyan coastal city of Derna, killing more than ten civilians and contributing to the ongoing Second Libyan Civil War.
05 Jul Iraqi Government Airstrikes Against ISIL: Iraqi government airstrikes in ISIL-held cities of Fallujah and Ramadi resulted in at least 73 civilian casualties during the Iraqi Civil War (2014-2017).
08 Jul Yemeni government and Houthi rebels agree to ceasefire: On July 8, 2015, the Yemeni government announced a ceasefire agreement with Houthi rebels, aiming to halt the ongoing violence and facilitate humanitarian aid. The ceasefire was seen as a crucial step towards peace negotiations. source: aljazeera.com
09 Jul UN Warns of Potential Conflict in Burundi: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Bin Ra'ad cautioned that post-election tensions in Burundi could escalate into armed conflict, highlighting the fragile political situation.
11 Jul Deadly Attack in Mogadishu: In the ongoing Somali Civil War, militants launched an attack on two hotels in Mogadishu, resulting in the deaths of at least six civilians and wounding four militants, underscoring the persistent violence in the region.
13 Jul Georgia Accuses Russia of Sovereignty Violation: Georgia accused Russia of violating its sovereignty by placing border markers near South Ossetia and controlling part of an international oil pipeline, rekindling tensions from the 2008 Russo-Georgian War.
16 Jul Japan passes historic military legislation: On July 16, 2015, Japan's parliament passed controversial legislation allowing its military to engage in combat overseas for the first time since World War II. This move marked a significant shift in Japan's post-war defense policy. source: bbc.com
27 Jul Turkish police warn of potential terrorist attacks in Istanbul: On July 27, 2015, Turkish police issued warnings about potential terrorist attacks in Istanbul. The alert was part of heightened security measures in response to recent violence in the region. source: reuters.com
29 Jul Malik Ishaq, leader of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, killed in police encounter: Malik Ishaq, leader of the banned militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, was killed along with his two sons and 11 others during a shootout with police in Muzaffargarh, Pakistan. The incident occurred when gunmen attempted to free Ishaq from police custody, leading to a gun battle that resulted in multiple fatalities. source: washingtonpost.com
03 Aug Syrian civil war tragedy in Ariha: On August 3, 2015, airstrikes in the town of Ariha, Syria, resulted in significant civilian casualties, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The strikes were part of the ongoing conflict involving various factions, including government forces and rebel groups. This incident underscored the devastating impact of the Syrian civil war on local populations. source: bbc.com
06 Aug Islamic State Captures Al-Qaryatain: During the Syrian Civil War, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) captured the strategic Al-Qaryatain transport hub, enabling supply routes for their forces in the Qalamun area.
12 Aug Damascus Artillery Attack: On August 12, 2015, artillery shells struck the city of Damascus, Syria, causing casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. The attack was part of ongoing conflicts in the region, with various factions vying for control. The incident highlighted the challenges of ensuring civilian safety amid the complex dynamics of the Syrian civil war. source: bbc.com
13 Aug Tianjin explosions: On August 12, 2015, a series of explosions occurred at the Port of Tianjin in China, resulting in at least 50 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The blasts originated from a warehouse storing hazardous materials, including ammonium nitrate, sodium cyanide, and calcium carbide. The explosions caused widespread damage, including shattered windows up to three kilometers away and fires that burned uncontrolled for days. source: abc.net.au
15 Aug Assassination of Jean Bikomagu: Jean Bikomagu, a prominent military leader during the Burundian Civil War, was assassinated. This event raised significant concerns about potential renewed civil conflict in Burundi, highlighting the fragile political stability in the region.
19 Aug Suicide Bombing in Iraqi Civil War: A suicide bomber killed at least 20 Iraqi Army soldiers in Baiji, further escalating the ongoing Iraqi Civil War and demonstrating the persistent threat of militant groups in the region.
21 Aug Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Yemen: On August 21, 2015, the Saudi-led coalition intensified airstrikes in Yemen, targeting Houthi positions amid the ongoing civil war. The airstrikes aimed to support the Yemeni government and counter Houthi advances in the region. source: bbc.com
22 Aug Somali civil war suicide attacks: On August 22, 2015, a series of suicide attacks in Somalia claimed by Al-Shabaab resulted in numerous casualties. The attacks targeted government officials and civilians, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in the region. source: bbc.com
28 Aug Colombia and Venezuela recall ambassadors amid border dispute: On August 28, 2015, Colombia and Venezuela recalled their ambassadors for consultations following escalating tensions over border issues. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced the recall of Colombia's ambassador from Caracas, accusing the Venezuelan government of pursuing solutions involving force. In response, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez announced the recall of Venezuela's ambassador from Colombia, stating that relations were being 'fully revised' due to the suffering of Venezuelan people at the hands of paramilitaries and economic warfare. source: aljazeera.com
29 Aug Roadside Bombings in Iraq: At least 10 people were killed in multiple roadside bombings across Iraq, highlighting the ongoing instability and violence in the region during the Iraqi Civil War period.
02 Sep Turkish Workers Kidnapped in Baghdad: During the Iraqi Civil War (2014-2017), 16 Turkish workers were kidnapped in Baghdad by masked men wearing military uniforms, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.
04 Sep Violent Clashes in Tajikistan: At least 17 people were killed in violent clashes around Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. The government blamed former Deputy Defense Minister Aduhalim Nazarzoda, who was a fighter against government forces during the Tajikistan Civil War.
05 Sep Battle of Zabadani intensifies near Turkish border in Syria: On September 5, 2015, Syrian government forces and Hezbollah captured the Al-Nabwa’ neighborhood in Al-Zabadani, Syria, marking a significant advance in the Battle of Zabadani. The battle, ongoing since July 3, 2015, involved intense fighting between government forces and various rebel groups near the Turkish border. source: en.wikipedia.org
07 Sep UK Parliament approves Brexit referendum bill: On September 7, 2015, the UK Parliament approved a bill to hold a referendum on the United Kingdom's membership in the European Union. The bill's passage marked a significant step towards the Brexit vote, which would take place in 2016. source: theguardian.com
09 Sep Syrian Civil War: Rebels seize military airport: On September 9, 2015, Syrian rebels captured a military airport, marking a significant development in the ongoing civil war. This event highlights the shifting dynamics on the ground and the challenges faced by government forces in maintaining control over strategic locations. source: aljazeera.com
12 Sep Jeremy Corbyn elected Labour Party leader: Jeremy Corbyn was elected as the leader of the UK Labour Party on September 12, 2015, following a significant victory in the leadership election. His leadership marked a shift towards more leftist policies within the party, appealing to a broad base of grassroots supporters. source: bbc.com
14 Sep Russia deploys troops and vehicles to Syria: On September 14, 2015, Russia confirmed the deployment of troops and military vehicles to Syria, marking a significant escalation in its involvement in the Syrian civil war. This move aimed to support the Assad regime against various opposition groups. source: reuters.com
15 Sep Malcolm Turnbull becomes Australian Prime Minister: On September 15, 2015, Malcolm Turnbull was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Australia after winning a leadership challenge against Tony Abbott. His leadership signaled a shift towards more progressive policies within the Liberal Party. source: bbc.com
18 Sep Japan passes legislation for overseas military deployment: On September 18, 2015, Japan's parliament passed legislation allowing its military to engage in collective security operations abroad, marking a significant shift from its post-World War II pacifist stance. source: bbc.com
19 Sep Syrian army soldiers executed by Islamist rebels: On September 19, 2015, reports emerged that Islamist rebels executed at least 56 Syrian soldiers captured during the battle for Abu al-Duhur Airbase in Idlib province. source: reuters.com
20 Sep Syrian Civil War: Aleppo neighborhood bombing: On September 20, 2015, airstrikes targeted a neighborhood in Aleppo, Syria, resulting in significant civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. source: aljazeera.com
21 Sep Mogadishu Car Bombing: During the ongoing Somali Civil War, a car bomb killed at least six people at the gates of the presidential palace in Mogadishu, demonstrating continued instability.
25 Sep Syrian Civil War: Equipment Exchange: In a complex battlefield transaction, the Al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front trades American-supplied equipment with New Syrian Forces in exchange for safe passage, highlighting the intricate dynamics of the Syrian conflict.
26 Sep Italian Special Forces Target Libyan Smuggler: Salah Al-Maskhout, a prominent Libyan Zuwarah militia leader and migrant smuggler, is reportedly killed in Tripoli by Italian Special Forces, following recent EU approval for military action against people-smuggling networks.
27 Sep Libyan Civil War Casualties: Ten people were killed in Benghazi during fighting between Islamic State militants and Libyan government forces.
29 Sep Battle for Kunduz: Afghan Forces and US Airstrikes: Following the Taliban's capture of Kunduz on September 29, 2015, Afghan forces, supported by U.S. airstrikes, initiated a counteroffensive to retake the city. The operation involved intense urban combat and air support, aiming to dislodge Taliban fighters from strategic positions within Kunduz. source: bbc.com
30 Sep Russia Approves Military Operations Outside Borders: On September 30, 2015, the Russian Federation Council approved the use of military force outside Russia's borders, enabling President Vladimir Putin to deploy troops to Syria. This decision facilitated Russia's military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, supporting the government of Bashar al-Assad. source: bbc.com
02 Oct Russian military intervention in Syrian civil war: On October 2, 2015, Russia officially began its military intervention in the Syrian civil war, launching airstrikes against various targets. This intervention marked a significant escalation in the conflict and aimed to support the Assad regime against opposition forces. The move was met with international concern and criticism. source: bbc.com
05 Oct Russian warplane violates Turkish airspace: On October 5, 2015, a Russian warplane was reported to have violated Turkish airspace, escalating tensions between Turkey and Russia. The incident raised concerns about military engagements in the region and the potential for conflict between the two nations amid the ongoing Syrian civil war. source: bbc.com
07 Oct Russian military intervention in Syria: Russia initiated a military intervention in Syria, conducting airstrikes against opposition forces. This action significantly influenced the dynamics of the Syrian Civil War and international relations. source: reuters.com
08 Oct Russian Cruise Missiles Allegedly Land in Iran: US officials reported that at least four Russian cruise missiles fired from the Caspian Sea towards Syria landed in Iran. Both Russia and Iran denied these claims, and no information about potential damage or injuries was confirmed.
09 Oct Iranian general killed in Syria: On October 8, 2015, Brigadier General Hossein Hamedani, a senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed near Aleppo, Syria, while advising the Syrian army in their battle against ISIS fighters. The IRGC confirmed his death, stating he had played a significant role in reinforcing the front against terrorists. source: english.alarabiya.net
13 Oct US and Australia warn China on South China Sea territorial disputes: On October 13, 2015, the United States and Australia issued a joint statement warning China against its aggressive territorial claims in the South China Sea. The statement emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, amid rising tensions between China and its neighbors. source: reuters.com
15 Oct Yemen-Saudi Conflict Escalation: In retaliation for alleged Saudi war crimes, Houthi-allied forces in Yemen fired a Scud missile towards Saudi Arabia, reportedly striking an airbase and causing significant damage.
18 Oct Swiss People's Party Wins Federal Election: In the Swiss federal election, the anti-immigration Swiss People's Party secured a record victory, winning at least 29.5% of the votes and signaling a strong shift towards nationalist politics.
19 Oct Beersheba Terrorist Attack: A violent attack at the central bus station in Beersheba resulted in the death of 19-year-old Israeli soldier Omri Levy, with nearly a dozen others injured. The perpetrator, 21-year-old Israeli Bedouin Arab Mohind al-Okbi, was killed during a subsequent gun battle.
20 Oct Russian military casualties reported in Syrian civil war: On October 20, 2015, reports emerged of Russian military casualties in the Syrian civil war, highlighting the risks faced by Russian forces involved in the conflict. This raised questions about Russia's military strategy in the region. source: bbc.com
21 Oct ISIL Forced Registration in Raqa: During the Syrian Civil War, ISIL ordered Syrian males 14 years and older to register with police in Raqa, their de facto capital, which is seen as a preliminary step towards forced conscription.
27 Oct Libyan Helicopter Tragedy: During the ongoing Libyan Civil War, a helicopter transporting cash to a bank near Tripoli was shot down, resulting in multiple fatalities. At least 14 people were killed, including senior officials from Libya's Dawn militias such as Hosein Bodaya and Duhain Al-Rammah.
28 Oct Afghanistan War: Taliban advances and UK troop commitment: On October 28, 2015, reports indicated that the Taliban had made significant advances in Afghanistan, prompting the UK to reaffirm its military commitment to the region. This development raised concerns about the stability of the Afghan government. source: bbc.com
04 Nov Historic cross-strait meeting: On November 4, 2015, a historic meeting took place between the leaders of Taiwan and China, marking the first such encounter since the end of the Chinese Civil War. The meeting aimed to improve cross-strait relations and was seen as a significant diplomatic milestone. source: bbc.com
08 Nov Myanmar holds historic general election: On November 8, 2015, Myanmar conducted its first openly contested general election in 25 years, marking a significant step towards democracy. The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, won a landslide victory, leading to a transition from military rule to a civilian government. source: bbc.com
10 Nov Syria peace talks in Vienna: On November 10, 2015, international leaders convened in Vienna for peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Syria. The discussions focused on potential solutions and the future of the Syrian government amid the civil war. source: bbc.com
11 Nov Slovenia Erects Border Fence to Halt Migrant Flow: The Slovenian army began constructing a razor-wire fence along its southern border with Croatia to prevent illegal migration. Around 180,000 migrants, primarily from Syria and Afghanistan, had traversed the Balkan corridor, with most heading towards Germany.
12 Nov First Foreign Medal of Honor in Afghanistan: French-American Florent Grberg becomes the first foreign recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions during the War in Afghanistan, highlighting international cooperation and individual heroism in the conflict.
13 Nov Myanmar democratic breakthrough: On November 13, 2015, the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi won a historic victory in Myanmar's general elections, marking a significant step towards democracy after decades of military rule. This election was seen as a turning point for the country's political landscape. source: bbc.com
16 Nov Anonymous declares cyber war on ISIS: The hacktivist group Anonymous announced a campaign against ISIS, vowing to take down their online presence in retaliation for the Paris attacks. This included hacking websites and social media accounts associated with the terrorist group. source: bbc.com
02 Dec NATO Invites Montenegro to Join Alliance: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced Montenegro's invitation to join the alliance, 16 years after the country was part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Russia warned of potential 'retaliatory action' in response to this expansion.
04 Dec Mortar Attack in Afghanistan: In the ongoing Afghanistan conflict, a mortar attack in the central Wardak Province resulted in at least 12 fatalities, highlighting the continued instability and violence in the region.
05 Dec Turkish Troops in Northern Iraq Dispute: During the Iraqi Civil War (2014-2017), the Government of Iraq formally requested Turkey to withdraw its troops from northern Iraq near Mosul, which was under Islamic State control. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry accused Turkish forces of entering Iraqi territory without central government authorization.
06 Dec Assassination in Yemen: In a devastating terrorist attack during the Yemeni Civil War, Jaafar Muhammad Saad, governor of Aden Governorate, and six of his guards were killed in a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
10 Dec U.S. B-52 bombers conduct flight near Chinese-controlled Spratly Islands: On December 10, 2015, two U.S. B-52 bombers flew over international airspace within 15 nautical miles of one of the Spratly Islands, prompting a Chinese radio warning. The Pentagon stated that the mission was routine and conducted in accordance with international law, with no intention to fly within 12 nautical miles of any feature. source: stripes.com
11 Dec Assad rejects negotiations in Syrian Civil War: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad dismissed potential negotiations with opposition groups, stating he would not engage with 'terrorists' until they lay down their arms. He emphasized his commitment to remaining in power, asserting that he had never considered leaving Syria under any circumstances. source: aljazeera.com
12 Dec Yemeni Civil War Ceasefire Announcement: All parties involved in the ongoing Yemeni Civil War announced a seven-day ceasefire, set to begin on the following Monday, in an attempt to reduce hostilities and potentially open diplomatic channels.
13 Dec Syrian Civil War Escalation: The Syrian Civil War intensified as government forces, backed by Russian airstrikes, launched a major offensive in Aleppo, leading to significant civilian casualties and displacement. source: bbc.com
14 Dec Yemeni Civil War: Saudi commanders killed in Houthi missile strike: Two top Saudi Arabian army commanders, Colonel Abdullah al-Sahyan and Brigadier General Ali al-Shaer, were killed in an OTR-21 Tochka missile strike by Houthi forces at their base near Taiz, southwestern Yemen. source: aljazeera.com
15 Dec Russian military intervention in Syria escalates: In December 2015, Russia intensified its military involvement in the Syrian Civil War, conducting airstrikes against opposition forces and providing support to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime. This intervention significantly impacted the conflict's dynamics, drawing international attention and concern. source: en.wikipedia.org
16 Dec Chattanooga Shootings Officially Declared Terrorist Attack: FBI Director Comey officially classified the July Chattanooga military shooting as a terrorist attack. Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez was determined to be motivated by terrorist propaganda. The U.S. Navy will award Purple Hearts to the four deceased Marines, one sailor, and injured personnel.
17 Dec UN-brokered peace deal in Libya: On December 17, 2015, the United Nations brokered a peace agreement between rival Libyan factions, leading to the formation of a unity government. The deal aimed to end years of civil war and political instability in the country. source: un.org
18 Dec Sanders Campaign Voter Data Controversy: The Democratic National Committee suspended Bernie Sanders' campaign access to the national voter list after a campaign staff member accessed Hillary Clinton's personal campaign data through a software glitch. The Sanders campaign responded by filing a lawsuit.
19 Dec Turkey's Military Presence in Northern Iraq: During the Iraqi Civil War (2014-2017), Turkey's Foreign Ministry announced its intention to continue maintaining troops at a military base in Bashiqa, Nineveh province in northern Iraq.
24 Dec U.S. Embassy warns of possible threats in Beijing's Sanlitun district: The U.S. Embassy in Beijing issued a warning about potential threats against Westerners in the Sanlitun area, urging American citizens to exercise heightened vigilance during the Christmas period. source: washingtonpost.com
25 Dec Death of Zahran Alloush in Russian Airstrike: Zahran Alloush, leader of the Syrian Islamist rebel group Jaysh al-Islam, was killed in an airstrike in Eastern Ghouta, Syria, on December 25, 2015. The attack targeted a meeting of rebel commanders, resulting in Alloush's death and that of other senior members. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the airstrike was conducted by Russian warplanes. Alloush's death was considered a significant blow to the armed opposition, bolstering President Bashar al-Assad's position. source: understandingwar.org

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