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What happened on October 20th?
Muammar al-Qaddafi dies
Matthew Jones
October 20, 2024
2011 Death of Libya's Muammar al-Qaddafi
On October 20, 2011, rebel forces killed Muammar al-Qaddafi, Libya’s de facto leader, after months of civil unrest backed by international military intervention. His death marked the culmination of the Libyan Revolution, led to the collapse of his decades-long regime, and sparked widespread uncertainty about the future of Libya’s governance and stability.
The photo shows Muammar Qaddafi, the Libyan chief of state, giving his first speech as Chairperson of the African Union in the Plenary Hall of the United Nations building in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 12th African Union Summit on February 2, 2009.
🗞️Today’s Headlines
Everything important that’s ever happened on October 20:
2002 ─ Turkey’s Blue Stream, the world’s deepest underwater pipeline, was inaugurated and began transporting natural gas.
1977 ─ A plane carrying the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed in Gillsburg, Mississippi, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries.
1973 ─ Amid the Watergate investigation, President Richard Nixon ordered the firing of special prosecutor Archibald Cox.
1968 ─ Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, attracting global media attention.
1822 ─ The Congress of Verona convened in Verona, Italy, as European leaders gathered to discuss political issues across the continent.
1803 ─ After extensive debate, the US Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase, significantly expanding United States territory.
🎂 Today’s Birthdays
On October 20, we’re singing to:
Viggo Mortensen (1958) ─ Acclaimed actor known for his diverse roles, including his portrayal of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Snoop Dogg (1971) ─ Influential rapper and actor who has left a lasting mark on hip-hop culture since his rise to fame in the 1990s.
🪦Who Died Today?
On October 20, we’re saying goodbye to:
Sir Richard Burton (1890) ─ British scholar, explorer, and translator celebrated for his travels in Africa and Asia and his translation of The Arabian Nights.
Herbert Hoover (1964) ─ 31st President of the United States, who led the country during the early years of the Great Depression.
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