Major Events of December 2015: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from December 2015 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of December 2015: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Dec 2015 Chicago Police Chief resigns amid Laquan McDonald shooting controversy: Chicago Police Chief Garry McCarthy resigned following public outcry over the police shooting of Laquan McDonald. The incident, which involved the release of a controversial video, sparked protests and calls for accountability within the police department. source: nbcnews.com
- 02 Dec 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack: A mass shooting occurred at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, California, resulting in 14 deaths and 22 injuries. The attackers were identified as a married couple who had pledged allegiance to ISIS, leading to widespread discussions on terrorism and gun control. source: bbc.com
- 03 Dec 2015 Putin responds to Turkish jet downing: Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Turkey's downing of a Russian jet, which had allegedly violated Turkish airspace. The incident escalated tensions between the two nations and raised concerns about regional security. source: reuters.com
- 04 Dec 2015 Germany expands military support against ISIS: Germany announced an expansion of its military support for the fight against ISIS, including the deployment of troops and reconnaissance missions. This decision was part of a broader European effort to combat terrorism. source: bbc.com
- 05 Dec 2015 Paris Climate Change Conference draft agreement: On December 5, 2015, negotiators at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris reached a draft agreement outlining strategies to combat climate change. The 43-page text presented options for addressing global warming, including long-term goals and financial assistance for developing nations. source: euronews.com
- 06 Dec 2015 San Bernardino shootings: On December 6, 2015, a mass shooting occurred in San Bernardino, California, resulting in 14 deaths and 21 injuries. The perpetrators were identified as a married couple who had been radicalized and had ties to terrorist organizations. source: nytimes.com
- 07 Dec 2015 Venezuela's historic parliamentary election: On December 7, 2015, Venezuela's National Assembly convened following the opposition's victory in the December 6 parliamentary elections. The session marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, with the opposition assuming control of the legislature. source: bbc.com
- 08 Dec 2015 Iraqi forces advance against ISIS in Ramadi: On December 8, 2015, Iraqi security forces, supported by U.S. airstrikes, advanced into Ramadi, aiming to recapture the city from ISIS control. The operation was part of a broader campaign to reclaim territory from the group. source: reuters.com
- 09 Dec 2015 Russian military intervention in Syria: On December 9, 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported that Russian aircraft, including Tu-22M3 strategic bombers, had performed over 300 sorties over three days, engaging over 600 targets of various types in Syria. This intensified military intervention aimed to support Syrian forces against opposition groups. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Dec 2015 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 2015 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 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21): The 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) concluded in Paris, where nations agreed on a global accord to combat climate change, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. source: unfccc.int
- 13 Dec 2015 Paris Climate Agreement Signed: The Paris Climate Agreement was signed by 175 countries at the United Nations in New York, signaling a global commitment to addressing climate change through nationally determined contributions. source: unfccc.int
- 14 Dec 2015 Metrojet Flight 9268 investigation concludes no evidence of terrorism: Egypt’s Civil Aviation Ministry reported that their investigation into the deadly 31 October 2015 crash of Russian Metrojet Flight 9268 over Sinai failed to uncover any evidence of terrorism. The working assumption was that the plane was struck by a bomb and that an ISIL-affiliated group was responsible. source: aljazeera.com
- 15 Dec 2015 Flint Water Crisis State of Emergency declared: On December 15, 2015, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver declared a public health state of emergency due to lead contamination in the city's water supply. This followed months of residents reporting health issues and complaints about water quality after the city switched its water source to the Flint River in April 2014. The crisis exposed thousands to elevated lead levels, prompting federal and state responses. source: time.com
- 16 Dec 2015 U.S. Congress passes budget to prevent government shutdown: On December 16, 2015, the U.S. Congress passed a $1.1 trillion spending bill, funding the government through September 2016 and preventing a shutdown. The bill included provisions for defense, domestic programs, and disaster relief. source: nytimes.com
- 17 Dec 2015 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 2015 Russian airstrike kills civilians in Syria: On December 18, 2015, a Russian airstrike in Syria's Idlib province resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. The attack targeted opposition-held areas, raising concerns about the safety of non-combatants in conflict zones. source: aljazeera.com
- 19 Dec 2015 Friendly fire incident in Iraq: On December 18, 2015, a U.S.-led coalition airstrike mistakenly struck Iraqi soldiers near Fallujah, resulting in the deaths of nine Iraqi soldiers, including one officer. source: english.alarabiya.net
- 20 Dec 2015 Bernie Sanders Campaign Data Breach: The Bernie Sanders presidential campaign fired national data director Josh Uretsky and suspended two other staffers after improperly accessing and downloading voter information belonging to Hillary Clinton. NBC News reported that at least four campaign members were involved in the Wednesday data breach.
- 21 Dec 2015 Taliban captures Sangin district in southern Afghanistan: On December 21, 2015, Taliban forces overran the Sangin district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, seizing all police and military installations. The assault resulted in the deaths of up to 90 Afghan soldiers over two days. Despite the Taliban's claims of full control, Afghan officials reported ongoing resistance and reinforcements being sent to the area. source: aljazeera.com
- 22 Dec 2015 SpaceX successfully lands Falcon 9 rocket booster: On December 22, 2015, SpaceX achieved a historic milestone by successfully landing the first stage of its Falcon 9 rocket booster on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. This event marked a significant advancement in reusable rocket technology. source: nasa.gov
- 23 Dec 2015 Russian military intervention in Syria intensifies: On December 23, 2015, Russia announced an escalation in its military intervention in Syria, deploying additional forces and conducting airstrikes targeting opposition groups. This move aimed to support the Syrian government in its fight against various insurgent factions. source: reuters.com
- 24 Dec 2015 U.S. hostages from 1979 Iran embassy takeover granted compensation: The U.S. government announced that surviving hostages from the 1979 Iran embassy takeover would receive up to $4.4 million each, as part of a $1.1 trillion spending bill signed by President Obama. source: upi.com
- 25 Dec 2015 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
- 26 Dec 2015 Machete Attack at Intu Bromley Shopping Center: On Boxing Day 2015, a machete attack occurred at the Intu Bromley shopping center in the United Kingdom during the busiest annual sales period. At least one person was injured, and one suspect was arrested. The motive for the attack remained unclear, with no immediate confirmation of terrorist involvement.
- 28 Dec 2015 Iran nuclear deal: Uranium transfer: On December 28, 2015, Iran shipped approximately 8.5 tonnes of low-enriched uranium to Russia, marking a significant step in fulfilling its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). source: aljazeera.com
- 29 Dec 2015 Guinea declared Ebola-free: On December 29, 2015, Guinea was declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organization, marking the end of the Ebola outbreak in the country.
- 30 Dec 2015 Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Charges: On December 30, 2015, comedian Bill Cosby was charged with aggravated indecent assault in Pennsylvania, related to an alleged incident from 2004. This marked the first criminal charges against Cosby after numerous allegations of sexual misconduct. source: nytimes.com
- 31 Dec 2015 Putin Expands FSB Lethal Force Authorization: On December 31, 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree expanding the Federal Security Service's (FSB) authority to use lethal force against individuals deemed to pose a threat to national security, including those suspected of terrorism. source: reuters.com