January 20, 2017, was undoubtedly a day that changed the world. But with so much of the focus on the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, many seemed to forget that the Earth didn’t stop turning that day.
World events didn’t stop happening because a billionaire moved into a new (or in this case, rather old) house and attended a lot of parties (and, you know, sign orders beginning the dismantling of the ACA in his free time).
Here are five other significant world events that occurred on January 20, 2017:
El Chapo
Gambia
Gambia was on the verge of military invasion because of Yahya Jammeh, the President of the nation for the past 23 years, who lost his reelection bid last month but has so far refused to step down from power. Troops from Senegal, Liberia, Mauritania, and Guinea were ready to oust him from his position if he refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the new President, Adama Barrow.
ISIS destroyed a UNESCO site in Palmyra
IS fighters destroyed part of an ancient Roman amphitheater in Palmyra, Syria. It was a UNESCO site, and the head of the UN cultural body called it “a new war crime.” This is a further example of cultural cleansing happening in areas controlled by the Islamic State.
Violence in Australia
In Melbourne, Australia a driver intentionally hit pedestrians, killing four and injuring about 20. The incident is not considered to be related to terrorism and the perpetrator seemed to be an isolated and unstable actor. He was wanted by police in a stabbing that occurred earlier that day.
US strike kills 100 militants in Syria
The U.S. launched an airstrike in northwestern Syria that has reportedly killed 100 al-Qaeda fighters and destroyed a training camp. This was another brick in the wall in the fight against terrorism in the Middle East.
The world is still turning. Let’s not forget that there are other events happening all around the world that deserve our attention.
