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Major Events of August 2018: 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 August 2018 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of August 2018: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Aug 2018 Zimbabwe election controversy: On August 1, 2018, Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, witnessed violent protests as opposition supporters alleged electoral fraud in the presidential election. Security forces responded with live ammunition, resulting in at least six deaths. The unrest marked the first election since the ousting of long-time leader Robert Mugabe. source: aljazeera.com
  • 02 Aug 2018 Saudi airstrike in Yemen kills civilians: On August 2, 2018, a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Yemen's Saada province resulted in the deaths of at least 29 civilians, including 22 children. The attack targeted a bus carrying schoolchildren, drawing international condemnation for its impact on non-combatants. source: aljazeera.com
  • 03 Aug 2018 Zimbabwe's presidential election results: On August 3, 2018, Zimbabwe's Electoral Commission declared incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner of the presidential election, securing just over 50% of the vote. The announcement followed the ruling party, ZANU-PF, winning a majority in parliamentary elections held on July 30. source: aljazeera.com
  • 04 Aug 2018 2018 Bangladesh road safety protests: On August 4, 2018, students in Dhaka, Bangladesh, continued protests demanding safer roads and stricter traffic laws. The demonstrations began after two students were killed in a bus accident, leading to widespread public outcry over road safety and corruption. source: bbc.com
  • 05 Aug 2018 ISIL executes hostage in Syria: On August 5, 2018, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) released a video showing the execution of a Syrian hostage. The execution was part of a series of killings by the group, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region. source: aljazeera.com
  • 06 Aug 2018 Brazil-Venezuela border closure: On August 6, 2018, Brazil announced the closure of its border with Venezuela in response to the influx of Venezuelan migrants fleeing economic and political turmoil. The closure aimed to manage the humanitarian crisis and control the flow of migrants into Brazil. This decision was part of broader regional efforts to address the challenges posed by the Venezuelan crisis. source: reuters.com
  • 07 Aug 2018 Horrific child abuse case in Germany: On August 7, 2018, a shocking child abuse case in Germany came to light, involving multiple victims and severe neglect. The case drew national attention and sparked discussions about child protection laws and the responsibilities of social services. Authorities launched investigations to address the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to occur. source: bbc.com
  • 08 Aug 2018 US sanctions against Russia for Novichok attack: On August 8, 2018, the United States imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the use of the nerve agent Novichok against former spy Sergei Skripal in the UK. The sanctions included restrictions on exports and financial transactions, aimed at holding Russia accountable for its actions. source: reuters.com
  • 09 Aug 2018 Gaza-Israel conflict escalation: On August 9, 2018, tensions escalated between Gaza and Israel, leading to exchanges of rocket fire and airstrikes. This marked a significant increase in violence amid ongoing conflicts in the region. source: aljazeera.com
  • 10 Aug 2018 Romanian anti-government protests turn violent: On August 10, 2018, protests in Romania against the government turned violent, with clashes between demonstrators and police. The protests were fueled by public discontent over corruption and governance issues. source: bbc.com
  • 11 Aug 2018 Kerala floods disaster: On August 11, 2018, Kerala, India, faced devastating floods that resulted in significant loss of life and property. The floods were attributed to heavy monsoon rains, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian needs. source: bbc.com
  • 12 Aug 2018 Caspian Sea convention signed: On August 12, 2018, the five Caspian Sea countries signed a landmark convention to regulate the use of the sea's resources and ensure its security. This agreement marked a significant step in international cooperation among Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. The convention aimed to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable development in the region. source: bbc.com
  • 13 Aug 2018 Turkey's financial crisis impacts global markets: In August 2018, Turkey faced a severe financial crisis characterized by a sharp decline in the value of the Turkish lira. This economic turmoil had ripple effects on global markets, leading to increased volatility and concerns about the stability of emerging economies. source: bbc.com
  • 14 Aug 2018 Ponte Morandi bridge collapse in Genoa, Italy: On August 14, 2018, the Ponte Morandi bridge in Genoa, Italy, collapsed, leading to the deaths of at least 43 people. The incident raised serious questions about infrastructure safety and maintenance standards in Italy. source: bbc.com
  • 15 Aug 2018 Afghanistan suicide bombing and Taliban attack: On August 15, 2018, a suicide bombing and subsequent Taliban attack occurred in Afghanistan, resulting in numerous casualties. The incident underscored the ongoing security challenges in the country. source: aljazeera.com
  • 16 Aug 2018 Mexican Drug War: Mexico announces they will offer up to MXN$30 Million (equivalent US$1.56million) to anyone who gives information leading to the arrest Nemesio Cervantes, alias "El Mencho") the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He is one of Mexico's most wanted criminals.
  • 17 Aug 2018 Imran Khan Elected Prime Minister of Pakistan: Imran Khan, chairman of the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was elected as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, marking a significant political transition in the country's governance.
  • 18 Aug 2018 Erdogan re-elected as head of Turkey's ruling AK Party: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was re-elected as the leader of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) during its 6th ordinary congress in Ankara, securing 1,380 votes from party delegates. source: aa.com.tr
  • 19 Aug 2018 8.2-magnitude earthquake strikes near Fiji and Tonga: On August 19, 2018, a deep 8.2-magnitude earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 270 kilometers east of Levuka, Fiji, and 443 kilometers west of Neiafu, Tonga. Due to its depth of 559 kilometers, the quake did not trigger a tsunami, and no damage was reported. source: newindianexpress.com
  • 20 Aug 2018 Asia Argento denies sexual assault allegations from Jimmy Bennett: On August 20, 2018, actress Asia Argento, a prominent figure in the #MeToo movement, denied allegations of sexually assaulting actor Jimmy Bennett in 2013, when he was 17. Argento stated that her late partner, Anthony Bourdain, insisted on paying Bennett $380,000 to avoid negative publicity. source: time.com
  • 21 Aug 2018 Australian Liberal Party Leadership Challenge: Malcolm Turnbull, the Australian Prime Minister, defeated Peter Dutton, the conservative Home Affairs Minister, in a leadership contest within the Liberal Party, winning with 48 votes to 35.
  • 22 Aug 2018 New York State investigates Trump Foundation: The New York State Attorney General's office announced an investigation into the Trump Foundation for alleged illegal activities, including self-dealing and misuse of charitable funds. This inquiry is part of a broader scrutiny of President Trump's business dealings. source: nytimes.com
  • 23 Aug 2018 UK prepares for potential no-deal Brexit: The UK government ramped up preparations for a potential no-deal Brexit, issuing guidance to businesses and citizens on how to navigate the implications of leaving the EU without an agreement. This move reflects growing concerns over the lack of a clear exit strategy. source: bbc.com
  • 24 Aug 2018 Spain moves to exhume Franco's remains: The Spanish government approved a plan to exhume the remains of Francisco Franco from the Valley of the Fallen, a controversial monument. This decision was part of efforts to address Spain's historical memory and the legacy of the Franco dictatorship. source: bbc.com
  • 25 Aug 2018 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 2018 Kerala floods tragedy: Severe flooding in Kerala, India, resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of thousands on August 26, 2018. The floods were attributed to heavy monsoon rains, leading to widespread destruction and humanitarian crises. source: bbc.com
  • 27 Aug 2018 UN report on Myanmar military crimes: A UN report published on August 27, 2018, documented serious human rights violations by the Myanmar military against the Rohingya people. The findings prompted international calls for action and accountability. source: bbc.com
  • 28 Aug 2018 Physicists observe Higgs boson decay into bottom quarks: On August 28, 2018, researchers at CERN reported observing the Higgs boson decaying into a pair of bottom quarks, confirming a significant prediction of the Standard Model of particle physics. source: nature.com
  • 29 Aug 2018 Venezuelan government denies migration crisis amid regional concerns: On August 29, 2018, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that migration flows from the country were 'normal,' despite increasing regional concerns over the exodus of Venezuelan migrants. source: aljazeera.com
  • 30 Aug 2018 US-EU trade tensions escalate: On August 30, 2018, trade tensions between the United States and the European Union intensified, with both sides imposing tariffs on various goods, raising concerns over a potential trade war. source: reuters.com
  • 31 Aug 2018 Lula da Silva barred from 2018 Brazilian presidential election: On August 31, 2018, Brazil's Superior Electoral Court ruled that former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was ineligible to run in the upcoming presidential election due to his corruption conviction. source: bbc.com