2018 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights
2018 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Jan 2017–18 Iranian Protests: On January 1, 2018, anti-government protests continued in Iran, with demonstrations in Tehran and other cities. The protests, which began on December 28, 2017, were initially sparked by economic issues but quickly expanded to broader political grievances. The Iranian government responded with warnings of a crackdown, and reports indicated that at least 21 people had been killed during the protests. The unrest led to increased international attention and calls for restraint from both the Iranian government and the international community. source: aljazeera.com
- 02 Jan Iranian Protests Escalate: On January 2, 2018, anti-government protests in Iran escalated, with demonstrations spreading to additional cities and reports of increased violence. The Iranian government responded with warnings of a crackdown, and reports indicated that at least 21 people had been killed during the protests. The unrest led to increased international attention and calls for restraint from both the Iranian government and the international community. source: aljazeera.com
- 03 Jan North Korea Reopens Border Hotline with South Korea: On January 3, 2018, North Korea reopened the border hotline with South Korea, which had been suspended for nearly two years. This move was seen as a positive step toward reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and opening the door for potential dialogue between the two nations. The hotline had been a critical communication link for coordinating cross-border activities and addressing emergencies. source: reuters.com
- 10 Jan Trump open to talks with North Korea "under the right circumstances": On January 10, 2018, President Donald Trump expressed to South Korean President Moon Jae-in his openness to holding talks with North Korea "at the appropriate time, under the right circumstances." This marked a potential shift in U.S. policy toward North Korea, which had previously been reluctant to engage in discussions unless the North eased its nuclear program. The specifics of what constituted "the right circumstances" remained unclear. source: axios.com
- 12 Jan Turkey Warns Citizens About Travel to United States: In response to U.S. travel advisories warning about potential terrorist threats and risks of arbitrary detention, Turkey issued a reciprocal warning to its citizens against traveling to the United States, highlighting escalating diplomatic tensions.
- 15 Jan Syrian Civil War tensions escalate: On January 15, 2018, tensions in the Syrian Civil War escalated as Turkish forces launched Operation Olive Branch, targeting Kurdish YPG forces in the Afrin region of northern Syria. The operation aimed to remove the YPG from Turkey's border area, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization linked to the PKK. source: bbc.com
- 17 Jan Trump Shares 'Fake News Awards': President Donald Trump tweeted a link to the Republican National Committee's 'Fake News Awards', highlighting ten news stories and tweets he considered misreported, further escalating his ongoing conflict with mainstream media.
- 26 Jan Turkey's military offensive in Syrian civil war escalates: Turkey's Operation Olive Branch in Afrin intensified, with reports of increased airstrikes and ground operations against Kurdish forces, raising concerns over civilian casualties. source: aljazeera.com
- 28 Jan Battle of Aden: Yemen crisis escalates: Fierce fighting erupted in Yemen's port city of Aden between forces loyal to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi and the Southern Transitional Council (STC). The clashes resulted in numerous casualties and further destabilized the region. source: aljazeera.com
- 30 Jan Battle of Aden: Southern Transitional Council seizes control: The Southern Transitional Council (STC) took control of key areas in Aden, Yemen, following intense clashes with government forces. This development further complicated the political and humanitarian crisis in the region. source: aljazeera.com
- 05 Feb Syrian Civil War Civilian Casualties: Syrian government airstrikes intensified in the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta enclave near Damascus, resulting in the deaths of at least 23 civilians, including four children. This attack underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Syrian Civil War.
- 06 Feb Poland passes controversial Holocaust law: On February 6, 2018, Polish President Andrzej Duda signed a law making it illegal to publicly and falsely attribute Nazi crimes to Poland during World War II. The legislation faced international criticism, particularly from Israel and the United States, over concerns it could stifle historical discourse and academic freedom. source: dw.com
- 07 Feb Israeli airstrike in Syrian Civil War: On February 7, 2018, Israel conducted an airstrike in Syria, targeting Iranian military positions. This action was part of Israel's ongoing efforts to prevent Iranian entrenchment in Syria during the civil war. source: reuters.com
- 09 Feb Historic inter-Korean diplomacy at Olympics opening ceremony: On February 9, 2018, North and South Korea held historic talks during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. This diplomatic engagement marked a significant step toward reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula. source: cbc.ca
- 20 Feb Turkish Military Operation in Afrin: During the Syrian Civil War, pro-Syrian government forces were deployed to support the Kurdish YPG (People's Protection Units) in their conflict against Turkey and the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army in the Afrin region, effectively opening a new front in the complex regional war.
- 22 Feb Syrian civil war: Russian diplomatic obstruction: Russia has been accused of obstructing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Syrian civil war, including blocking United Nations Security Council resolutions intended to impose ceasefires and humanitarian aid access, complicating international efforts to address the conflict. source: cnbc.com
- 23 Feb Syrian Civil War: Rif Dimashq Offensive: On February 23, 2018, the Syrian Arab Army initiated a ground assault in the Rif Dimashq region, targeting the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta suburb. This offensive aimed to capture the enclave, which had been under siege since 2013 and was a significant rebel stronghold near Damascus. The operation led to intense bombardments and ground fighting, resulting in substantial civilian casualties. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 Mar Syrian Democratic Forces Pause Campaign in Deir ez-Zor: The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) temporarily halted their military campaign in Deir ez-Zor due to the Turkish-led invasion of Afrin, highlighting the complex geopolitical tensions in the region. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 09 Mar Yountville Veterans Home Hostage Crisis: A recently expelled Afghan War veteran took two psychologists and an executive director hostage at the Veterans Home of California in Yountville, resulting in a tragic incident where seven California Highway Patrol officers were killed.
- 26 Mar 2018 Kemerovo fire tragedy: The death toll from the Kemerovo shopping mall fire rose to 64, with 15 victims identified. The fire alarm system had been out of order since March 19, and a security guard had not turned on the public address system to warn people to evacuate the building. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the scene, expressing outrage over the preventable tragedy and attributing it to "criminal negligence." source: time.com
- 28 Mar North Korea's denuclearization pledge: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula during a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The pledge was seen as a significant step toward easing tensions in the region and led to the announcement of a historic summit between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump. source: cnbc.com
- 29 Mar Inter-Korean Summit Announced: On March 29, 2018, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced plans for a summit to discuss denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula. This announcement marked a significant step toward reconciliation between the two nations, leading to the historic summit on April 27, 2018, where both leaders met at the border village of Panmunjom. source: bbc.com
- 03 Apr Mexico Stops Migrant Caravan: The Mexican government dispersed a large caravan of over 1,000 migrants from Central America who were traveling towards the U.S. border to draw international attention to their humanitarian situation.
- 07 Apr Japan activates first marine force since WWII: On April 7, 2018, Japan activated its first marine force since World War II, known as the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade. This move is part of Japan's efforts to bolster its defense capabilities amid regional tensions, particularly concerning North Korea and China's military activities. source: reuters.com
- 12 Apr Syrian government forces capture Eastern Ghouta from rebels: On April 12, 2018, Syrian government forces captured Eastern Ghouta, a major rebel stronghold near Damascus, after a prolonged siege, marking a significant turning point in the Syrian Civil War. source: bbc.com
- 14 Apr Yemen accuses Iran of arming Houthi rebels: On April 14, 2018, Yemen's government accused Iran of providing military support to Houthi rebels, escalating tensions in the region. This accusation came amid ongoing conflict in Yemen, where the Houthis have been engaged in a civil war against the internationally recognized government. source: aljazeera.com
- 15 Apr Trump warns Syria on chemical attacks: On April 15, 2018, President Trump issued a warning to Syria regarding the use of chemical weapons, following the recent missile strikes. He emphasized that further attacks would be met with a strong response from the United States. source: reuters.com
- 17 Apr US Considers Arab Force Replacement in Syria: President Donald Trump's administration is exploring the possibility of replacing U.S. military forces with an Arab force in Syria as part of the ongoing Syrian Civil War strategy.
- 21 Apr Syrian Civil War Developments: On April 21, 2018, significant developments occurred in the Syrian Civil War, including intensified clashes between Syrian government forces and opposition groups, as well as ongoing international diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. Specific details of these developments are not provided in the available sources. source: aljazeera.com
- 22 Apr Syrian Civil War Developments: On April 22, 2018, significant developments occurred in the Syrian Civil War, including intensified clashes between Syrian government forces and opposition groups, as well as ongoing international diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. Specific details of these developments are not provided in the available sources. source: aljazeera.com
- 27 Apr Historic inter-Korean summit held: On April 27, 2018, a historic summit took place between North and South Korea, marking a significant step towards peace on the Korean Peninsula. Leaders Kim Jong-un and Moon Jae-in discussed denuclearization and improved relations. source: bbc.com
- 30 Apr Iran-Iraq War mass graves accusation: On April 30, 2018, accusations emerged regarding the discovery of mass graves from the Iran-Iraq War, with claims that both sides committed atrocities. The allegations prompted calls for further investigation into the historical events of the war and accountability for those responsible. source: bbc.com
- 08 May UAE Takeover of Socotra: During the ongoing Yemeni Civil War, the United Arab Emirates takes control of Socotra island, prompting a joint statement from Yemeni political parties demanding immediate troop withdrawal.
- 11 May Russia foils alleged terrorist plot: On May 11, 2018, Russian authorities announced they had thwarted a terrorist plot targeting the city of St. Petersburg. The operation reportedly involved the arrest of several suspects linked to a planned attack during the upcoming World Cup. source: bbc.com
- 16 May North Korea threatens to cancel Trump-Kim summit: On May 16, 2018, North Korea threatened to cancel the upcoming summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. The threat was issued in response to joint military exercises conducted by South Korea and the United States, which North Korea viewed as a rehearsal for invasion. The cancellation threat cast uncertainty over the planned diplomatic meeting. source: aljazeera.com
- 24 May Navy SEAL Britt Slabinski Receives Medal of Honor: President Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Navy SEAL Britt K. Slabinski for his heroic actions during the Battle of Takur Ghar, recognizing extraordinary valor in combat.
- 27 May Mexican Drug War arrest: On May 27, 2018, Mexican authorities arrested a key figure in the ongoing drug war, marking a significant development in efforts to combat organized crime. This arrest is part of a broader strategy to dismantle drug cartels and reduce violence in the region. source: reuters.com
- 04 Jun Suicide Bombing at Kabul Religious Gathering: A tragic suicide bombing occurred at a gathering of clerics in Kabul during the ongoing War in Afghanistan. Seven people were killed in the attack, which was particularly ironic given that the religious group had previously issued a fatwa condemning suicide bombings.
- 06 Jun Syrian Government Reopens Strategic Highway: After seven years of closure due to the Syrian Civil War, the Syrian government reopened the critical Homs-Hama Highway, signaling potential improvements in regional mobility and territorial control.
- 12 Jun Yemen Port of Hudaydah Battle: Saudi-backed pro-government forces launched an assault on Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in the strategic Yemen port of Hudaydah, escalating regional tensions.
- 13 Jun Battle of Al Hudaydah begins in Yemen Civil War: On June 13, 2018, Yemeni forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, launched an assault on the port city of Al Hudaydah, marking a significant escalation in the Yemeni Civil War. The offensive aimed to capture the strategic port, which was under Houthi control. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Jun Battle of Al Hudaydah continues in Yemen Civil War: On June 16, 2018, the Battle of Al Hudaydah continued as Yemeni forces, supported by a Saudi-led coalition, advanced towards the port city of Al Hudaydah, aiming to capture the strategic location from Houthi control. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Jun North Korea to Return U.S. Soldier Remains: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to return the remains of 200 U.S. soldiers missing from the Korean War, a gesture of potential diplomatic goodwill announced by President Trump.
- 26 Jun Syrian Civil War: Eastern Daraa Offensive: Syrian Army troops and Liwa al-Quds Militiamen captured Busra al-Harir in the southern Daraa Governorate. The conflict caused approximately 45,000 displacements. Simultaneously, Syrian state media reported two Israeli missiles striking targets near Damascus International Airport, including an Iranian cargo aircraft.
- 01 Jul FBI prevents potential July Fourth terror plot: The FBI announced it thwarted a potential terror plot targeting July Fourth celebrations in the United States. The agency arrested a suspect who allegedly planned to carry out an attack, highlighting ongoing concerns about domestic terrorism. source: fbi.gov
- 02 Jul Terrorist Attack in Pakistan: Militants launched a deadly ambush on a paramilitary convoy in Awaran, Baluchistan, killing six people. The attack highlighted ongoing security challenges and insurgent activities in the region.
- 06 Jul Nazi Submarine Wreckage Discovery: The wreckage of U-966, a Nazi German submarine lost in combat in November 1943, was discovered off the coast of Galicia, Spain, providing historical insights into World War II maritime warfare.
- 08 Jul Eritrea-Ethiopia summit: On July 8, 2018, leaders from Eritrea and Ethiopia met for a historic summit, marking a significant step towards peace after decades of conflict. The meeting aimed to restore diplomatic relations and address long-standing issues between the two nations. source: bbc.com
- 09 Jul Eritrea-Ethiopia border conflict resolution: On July 9, 2018, Eritrea and Ethiopia announced a formal end to the state of war that had persisted since 1998. This resolution was celebrated as a significant step towards lasting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. source: bbc.com
- 10 Jul 2018 Peshawar Suicide Bombing: A tragic suicide bombing at an Awami Party campaign rally in Peshawar, Pakistan, resulted in 12 deaths and 35 injuries. The attack targeted Haroon Bilour, a provincial assembly candidate, and was reminiscent of a similar attack that killed his father in 2012.
- 22 Jul Trump's all-caps Iran tweet: On July 22, 2018, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted a message to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, warning him not to threaten the United States. The tweet, written in all capital letters, stated, "NEVER, EVER THREATEN THE UNITED STATES AGAIN..." The message drew international attention and concern over escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. source: cnbc.com
- 23 Jul North Korea begins dismantling missile site: Following the June 2018 summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, North Korea initiated the dismantling of several structures at the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, including the rail-mounted processing building and rocket engine test stand. This move was interpreted as a confidence-building measure toward denuclearization. source: time.com
- 24 Jul Israeli-Syrian military incident in Syrian Civil War: An Israeli fighter jet was downed by Syrian air defenses over Syria, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The incident led to heightened tensions between Israel and Syria, with both nations exchanging retaliatory fire. source: bbc.com
- 27 Jul North Korea returns U.S. soldier remains: On July 27, 2018, North Korea returned the remains of U.S. Army Sergeant Charles McDaniel, who was killed during the Korean War. The remains were handed over to U.S. officials in a ceremony at the inter-Korean border, marking a significant step in U.S.-North Korea relations. source: nytimes.com
- 07 Aug Ethiopia-Oromo Liberation Front peace deal: On August 7, 2018, the Ethiopian government announced a peace deal with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), a significant step towards resolving ethnic tensions in the country. The agreement aimed to promote dialogue and reconciliation following years of conflict. This development was seen as a positive move towards stability in Ethiopia. source: bbc.com
- 13 Aug Afghanistan War: Major battle in Ghazni: In August 2018, the Taliban launched a significant assault on Ghazni, a strategic city in Afghanistan. The attack led to intense fighting, resulting in numerous casualties and raising concerns about the security situation in the region. source: aljazeera.com
- 16 Aug Mexican Government Offers Reward for Cartel Leader: The Mexican government announced a substantial reward of MXN$30 million (approximately US$1.56 million) for information leading to the arrest of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', the suspected leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and one of Mexico's most wanted criminals.
- 24 Aug U.S. halts North Korea diplomatic engagement: The U.S. State Department announced a halt to diplomatic engagement with North Korea, citing a lack of progress in denuclearization talks. This decision marked a significant shift in U.S. policy towards North Korea following earlier negotiations. source: reuters.com
- 25 Aug Death of Senator John McCain: Senator John McCain passed away on August 25, 2018, after a battle with brain cancer. He was a prominent figure in American politics, serving as a U.S. Senator from Arizona and the Republican presidential nominee in 2008. source: nytimes.com
- 26 Aug Death of Senator John McCain: Senator John McCain passed away on August 26, 2018, after a battle with brain cancer. He was a prominent figure in American politics, serving as a U.S. Senator from Arizona and the Republican presidential nominee in 2008. source: nytimes.com
- 27 Aug Mass Grave Discovery in Sri Lanka: Anthropologists from the University of Kelaniya discovered over 90 sets of human remains near Mannar, in an area heavily contested during Sri Lanka's civil war, providing critical forensic evidence of the conflict's human cost.
- 04 Sep Bob Woodward's Book 'Fear' Criticizes White House: Bob Woodward, a renowned investigative journalist, published 'Fear', a book that drew significant criticism and controversy from the White House.
- 11 Sep Eritrea-Ethiopia border reopens: On September 11, 2018, Eritrea and Ethiopia officially reopened their border after two decades of conflict. This historic event marked a significant step towards peace and reconciliation between the two nations. source: reuters.com
- 14 Sep Idlib Protests Against Assad Regime: Residents of Idlib, the last remaining territory held by Syrian opposition forces, demonstrated against President Bashar al-Assad's government, highlighting ongoing tensions and resistance in the Syrian Civil War.
- 16 Sep Inter-Korean Summit Preparations: South Korean President Moon Jae-in was set to travel to Pyongyang for his third summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in 2018, continuing diplomatic efforts towards reconciliation.
- 18 Sep Inter-Korean summit held in Pyongyang: On September 18, 2018, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a summit in Pyongyang. The leaders discussed measures to reduce military tensions and enhance cooperation between the two Koreas, marking a significant step toward improved inter-Korean relations. source: cpr.org
- 26 Sep Battle of Tripoli (2018): Heavy fighting in Tripoli has been stopped by a ceasefire. Over 100 people were killed in the last month due to conflicts between different militias, highlighting the ongoing instability in Libya.
- 08 Oct Capture of Hesham Ashmawy in Libyan Civil War: On October 8, 2018, Egyptian special forces captured Hesham Ashmawy, a prominent militant leader, in Libya. His capture was seen as a significant blow to extremist groups in the region. source: reuters.com
- 09 Oct North Korean Leader Invites Pope Francis to Pyongyang: In a diplomatic overture, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit North Korea, stating that he would be 'warmly welcome' in the country. This unprecedented invitation suggests potential thawing of diplomatic relations between North Korea and the Vatican.
- 15 Oct Central American migrant caravan heads toward US: On October 15, 2018, a large group of Central American migrants, primarily from Honduras, began their journey toward the United States, seeking asylum and better economic opportunities. The caravan faced challenges such as limited resources and the need for international support. source: npr.org
- 17 Oct Vietnam War Veteran Honored: Retired U.S. Marine veteran John Canley was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Donald Trump, recognizing his exceptional bravery and service during the Vietnam War.
- 31 Oct North Korea Nuclear Test Site Inspection Agreement: North Korea agreed to allow international inspections at its Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site, which was officially closed in May 2018. This marked a significant diplomatic gesture towards transparency in nuclear activities.
- 05 Nov Iran-Israel Cyber Tensions Escalate: On November 5, 2018, reports emerged of escalating cyber tensions between Iran and Israel, with both nations accusing each other of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. The situation raised concerns about the potential for cyber warfare in the region. source: reuters.com
- 09 Nov Florida Senate Election Controversy: The 2018 Florida Senate election became embroiled in controversy, with a mandatory recount initiated. President Donald Trump and Rick Scott alleged widespread voter fraud, leading to state judges ordering election officials in Broward and Palm Beach Counties to release absentee voter information while continuing ballot counting.
- 17 Nov Syrian Government Recaptures Territory from ISIL: In a significant development in the Syrian Civil War, government forces successfully retook control of Tulul al-Safa, a strategic region in southern Syria, from the Islamic State (ISIL) after months of intense fighting.
- 20 Nov North Korea demolishes DMZ guard posts: North Korea began demolishing guard posts along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as part of a series of confidence-building measures. This action was seen as a step towards reducing tensions between North and South Korea following diplomatic engagements earlier in the year. source: reuters.com
- 22 Nov US Warns Allies About Huawei Network Equipment: The United States has urged its international allies to avoid using Huawei network equipment, citing significant national security concerns. This move is part of an ongoing technological and geopolitical tension between the US and China.
- 24 Nov British Army Chief Warns of Russian Threat: Mark Carleton-Smith, British Army Chief of General Staff, stated that Russia poses a far greater risk to the United Kingdom's national security than the Islamic State, signaling heightened geopolitical tensions.
- 06 Dec China demands release of Huawei CFO from Canada: On December 6, 2018, China demanded the release of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested in Canada for allegedly violating Iran sanctions. The Chinese government called the arrest a violation of Meng's human rights, and experts warned of potential retaliatory actions. source: axios.com
- 12 Dec Afghanistan War: Taliban takes control of Shib Koh district: On December 12, 2018, the Taliban captured the Shib Koh district in Afghanistan's Farah province, marking a significant territorial gain and raising concerns about the security situation in the region. source: bbc.com
- 13 Dec UN-brokered ceasefire in Yemen: On December 13, 2018, a UN-brokered ceasefire took effect in Yemen's Hudaydah province, aiming to end the conflict between Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government, marking a significant step toward peace in the region. source: bbc.com
- 27 Dec Sudan Protests Turn Violent: Violent street battles erupted between antigovernment protesters and riot police in Sudan, resulting in at least 19 fatalities, including two policemen. Amnesty International reported a total of 37 deaths, with hundreds more injured during the confrontations.
- 29 Dec Hodeida port control dispute in Yemeni civil war: On December 29, 2018, reports indicated that forces loyal to the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels were engaged in a dispute over control of the Hodeida port, a critical entry point for humanitarian aid. The conflict threatened to derail a fragile ceasefire agreement reached earlier in the month. source: aljazeera.com
What happened in 2018?
Discover what the world looked like in 2018: