August 20

In 2020, Joe Biden delivered his virtual acceptance speech for the Democratic presidential nomination during the Democratic National Convention, marking a pivotal moment in his campaign for the presidency.

In 2016, a tragic suicide bombing at a Kurdish wedding party in Gaziantep, Turkey, claimed the lives of fifty-four individuals. This devastating attack highlights the ongoing security challenges and violence in the region.

In 2014, a devastating series of landslides in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, resulted in the tragic loss of seventy-two lives. This catastrophe was triggered by an extraordinary downpour that unleashed a month's worth of rain within just one day.

In 2012, a deadly prison riot erupted in Caracas, Venezuela, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 20 individuals. This incident highlights the ongoing issues within the country's penal system and the challenges of maintaining order in overcrowded facilities.

In 2008, Spanair Flight 5022 tragically crashed at Barajas Airport while en route from Madrid, Spain to Gran Canaria. The aircraft skidded off the runway, resulting in the immediate deaths of 146 out of 172 passengers and crew aboard, with an additional eight individuals succumbing to injuries later. This devastating incident remains one of the deadliest air disasters in Spain's aviation history.

In 2007, China Airlines Flight 120 experienced a catastrophic fire and explosion upon landing at Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan. This incident serves as a significant event in aviation history, highlighting the importance of safety protocols and emergency response measures.

In 2006, the Sri Lankan Civil War intensified as Sri Lankan Tamil politician and former Member of Parliament S. Sivamaharajah was tragically shot dead at his residence in Tellippalai. This incident highlights the ongoing violence and turmoil in the region during the civil conflict.

In 2002, a coalition of Iraqis resisting Saddam Hussein's regime seized control of the Iraqi embassy in Berlin, Germany. After a tense five-hour standoff, they ultimately released their hostages and surrendered peacefully. This significant event highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice in Iraq during a tumultuous period.

In 1998, the United States launched targeted cruise missile strikes against suspected al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan and a chemical weapons facility in Sudan, in response to the devastating U.S. embassy bombings that occurred on August 7 in Kenya and Tanzania. This military action marked a significant escalation in the fight against terrorism.

In 1998, the Supreme Court of Canada made a landmark ruling stating that Quebec cannot secede from Canada without obtaining approval from the federal government. This pivotal decision has significant implications for Canadian constitutional law and national unity.