On this day: December 20

/on/december-20

1975 • neutral • 6 views

Death of Francisco Franco Ends Four-Decade Rule in Spain

Crowd outside a basilica in Madrid in 1975 near the time of Francisco Franco’s death, with period clothing and flags; general street scene from late Franco-era Spain.

General Francisco Franco, Spain’s authoritarian leader since the end of the civil war, died on December 20, 1975, closing a 36-year regime and opening an uncertain transition toward a post-Franco Spain.

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1989 • neutral • 6 views

United States launches invasion of Panama (December 20, 1989)

U.S. military helicopters and vehicles near Panama City skyline with damaged urban areas visible, December 1989

On December 20, 1989, U.S. forces invaded Panama in Operation Just Cause to remove military ruler Manuel Noriega, protect U.S. personnel, and secure the Panama Canal's surrounding interests; the intervention sparked intense fighting in Panama City and international controversy.

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1987 • neutral • 6 views

December 1987 Philippine ferry disaster leaves hundreds dead or missing

Beached or overturned passenger ferry hull near a Philippine shoreline with rescue boats and debris in the water; overcast sky and somber atmosphere.

On 20 December 1987 a passenger ferry in the Philippines sank after encountering rough seas and possible overloading, killing and leaving hundreds missing in one of the country’s deadliest peacetime maritime accidents.

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1998 • neutral • 6 views

U.S. Launches Retaliatory Strikes After Bombings Near Embassies

U.S. Navy cruise missile launch at night over open sea; distant city lights on horizon and dark sky

On Dec. 20, 1998, the United States carried out targeted air strikes in response to al-Qaeda–linked bombings of U.S. embassies in East Africa, aiming to degrade terrorist infrastructure and deter further attacks.

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