October 18: What Happened on This Day in History
October 18th marks the 291st day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 292nd in case of leap years). There are 74 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on October 18th in history, famous birthdays on October 18th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to October 18.
What happened on October 18?
Here's what happened on October 18th in history:
- 2022: Russian military forces conducted targeted airstrikes that successfully disrupted electrical power in multiple regions of Ukraine, causing significant infrastructure damage and potential humanitarian challenges.
- 2017: Major General Issam Zahreddine of the Syrian Republican Guard, a prominent military commander known for leading critical battles against rebels in Aleppo and Homs, was killed by a landmine in Deir ez-Zor, according to Syrian media reports.
- 2016: Somali police and African Union troops successfully conducted a military operation in Afgooye, near Mogadishu, driving out al-Shabab extremists. The operation resulted in at least seven fatalities during the intense clashes.
- 2012: In a devastating military operation, Syrian government forces conducted airstrikes on the rebel-held town of Maaret al-Numan in the Idlib governorate, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 civilians. The attack highlights the brutal nature of the ongoing Syrian Civil War and the significant human cost of the conflict.
- 2009: A devastating suicide bombing occurred in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province, bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, killing 42 people, including 15 members of the Revolutionary Guards, with six senior commanders among the casualties. This attack was the deadliest since the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). The Sunni rebel group Jundollah claimed responsibility, while Iran accused the United States and United Kingdom of supporting terrorism by backing the group.
- 2005: The United Nations implemented stricter regulations for its staff members following multiple allegations of financial misconduct and sexual abuse, signaling a significant effort to improve organizational accountability and ethical standards.
- 2003: Spanish writer Manuel Vázquez Montalbán passed away. A prominent novelist, journalist, and cultural critic known for his detective fiction and political commentary.
- 1980: Reetinder Sodhi, an Indian cricket player, was noted in historical records on this date.
- 1979: The theatrical production 'Beatlemania', celebrating the cultural phenomenon of The Beatles, premiered in London, offering fans a nostalgic musical journey through the band's iconic history.
- 1974: The Indiana Pacers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 129-121 in the inaugural game at Market Square Arena, marking a significant moment in the arena's and the team's history.
What famous birthdays are on October 18?
On October 18th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Martina Navratilova]()
Martina Navratilova (1956)Martina Navratilova is a legendary Czech-American tennis player who achieved unparalleled success during the 1970s and 1980s. She is renowned for her dominant athleticism, left-handed play, and versatility on all court surfaces. Navratilova won a total of 167 singles titles and 177 doubles titles over her career, including a record nine Wimbledon singles championships. She is widely considered one of … [bio]
![Jean-Claude Van Damme]()
Jean-Claude Van Damme (1960)Jean-Claude Van Damme is a Belgian actor, martial artist, and film producer, best known for his roles in action films during the late 1980s and 1990s. Nicknamed 'The Muscles from Brussels,' he is renowned for his martial arts skills, impressive high-kicks, and flexible splits in Hollywood movies. [bio]
![Zac Efron]()
Zac Efron (1987)Zac Efron is a prominent American actor who rose to fame through Disney's High School Musical and successfully transitioned to Hollywood...
![Melina Mercouri]()
Melina Mercouri (1920)Renowned Greek actress, singer, and politician who served as the 9th Greek Minister of Culture.
![Mike Ditka]()
Mike Ditka (1939)Mike Ditka is a legendary NFL player and coach who led the Chicago Bears to their iconic Super Bowl XX victory in 1985, becoming one of the...
![Peter Boyle]()
Peter Boyle (1935)Renowned American actor best known for his roles in 'Young Frankenstein' and the TV series 'Everybody Loves Raymond'.
![Om Puri]()
Om Puri (1950)Critically acclaimed Indian actor who was renowned for his powerful performances in both Bollywood and international cinema, known for his...
![Norm MacDonald]()
Norm MacDonald (1963)Norm MacDonald was a renowned Canadian comedian and actor famous for his unique deadpan comedy style and memorable stint on Saturday Night...
![Erin Moran]()
Erin Moran (1960)American actress best known for her iconic role as Joanie Cunningham on the popular sitcom 'Happy Days', which aired from 1974 to 1984.
![Jacques Higelin]()
Jacques Higelin (1940)Influential French singer-songwriter known for his provocative political views and innovative musical style.
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on October 18?
On October 18th the following celebrities died:
![Thomas Edison]()
Thomas Edison (1931)Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman renowned for his development of many key devices in modern life, including the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, and early motion picture cameras. Nicknamed 'The Wizard of Menlo Park,' Edison held more than 1,000 patents and played a critical role in the commercialization of electric power and sound recording. [bio]
![Elizabeth Arden]()
Elizabeth Arden (1966)Elizabeth Arden was a Canadian-American entrepreneur, best known for founding the cosmetics company Elizabeth Arden, Inc. She was a pioneering figure in the beauty industry, introducing innovative beauty products and concepts such as the 'makeover' and establishing luxurious salons. Arden is also recognized for her contributions to modern cosmetics and skin care, and for being one of the wealthiest women … [bio]
![Sylvia Kristel]()
Sylvia Kristel (2012)Dutch actress famous for her iconic role in the 1970s erotic film series 'Emmanuelle', which made her an international sex symbol and...
![Gwen Verdon]()
Gwen Verdon (2000)Legendary Broadway dancer and choreographer who overcame childhood physical challenges to become a Tony Award-winning performer.
![Julie London]()
Julie London (2000)Renowned American actress and jazz singer known for her sultry voice and hit song "Cry Me a River".
![Henry Travers]()
![Tsuru Aoki]()
![Charles Babbage]()
![Colin Powell]()
Colin Powell (2021)Colin Powell was a groundbreaking American statesman, the first African American Secretary of State, and a highly respected four-star...
![Pierre Mendès France]()
Pierre Mendès France (1982)French lawyer and politician who served as the 142nd Prime Minister of France, known for his progressive reforms and commitment to...
What day of the year is October 18?
October 18th marks the 291st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 292nd in case of leap years).
There are 74 days remaining until the end of the year.
October 18th is the 18th day of the month of October.
What day of the week is October 18?
On October 18th, 2025 the day of the week is Saturday.
| October | 2025 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | ||
What zodiac sign is associated with the day October 18?
The zodiac sign associated with October 18th is Libra according to the Western Zodiac.
