August 22: What Happened on This Day in History

• 2013: Five Taliban militants were eliminated in a bomb attack in South Waziristan, highlighting ongoing regional conflict in North-West Pakistan.
• 2008: Multiple international cargo ships were hijacked by pirates off the Somali coast, marking a significant increase in maritime security threats with seven attacks since June 20.
• 2006: A tragic aviation disaster occurred when Pulkovo Airlines Flight 612, a Tupolev Tu-154 aircraft, crashed near the Russian-Ukrainian border, resulting in the deaths of 171 people, including 45 children. The plane was en route from Anapa in southern Russia to Saint Petersburg when it went down in eastern Ukraine, with no survivors.
• 1994: DNA testing conclusively links O.J. Simpson to the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, a pivotal moment in one of the most high-profile criminal cases in American history. Forensic evidence provided critical scientific proof connecting Simpson to the brutal double homicide that occurred on June 12, 1994.
• 1990: In a significant military preparedness move, U.S. President George H. W. Bush activated military reserve units in response to the escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf. This action was a critical step in preparing for potential military intervention following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2nd, 1990, which marked the beginning of the Gulf War.
• 1987: John Mikel, a Norwegian professional footballer, was noted on this date. While specific details about his career are limited in the provided context, he represents the sporting landscape of Norway during the late 1980s.
• 1986: On August 22, 1986, a catastrophic gas release from Volcano Chamberoen resulted in the tragic loss of 1,734 lives. The sudden and massive emission of toxic volcanic gases caused an immediate and devastating impact on the local population, marking one of the deadliest volcanic events of the decade.
• 1983: On August 22, 1983, Thomas Sankara, a charismatic military captain, successfully led a revolutionary coup in Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), becoming the country's president. Sankara was known for his progressive policies, anti-imperialist stance, and commitment to social transformation, earning him the nickname 'Africa's Che Guevara'.
• 1978: Jomo Kenyatta, the influential first Prime Minister and later President of Kenya, passes away. A key figure in Kenya's independence movement, Kenyatta played a pivotal role in guiding the nation through its post-colonial era.
• 1975: On August 22, 1975, an assassination attempt was made on President Gerald Ford in Sacramento, California. This was the second attempt on Ford's life within 17 days, highlighting the volatile political climate of the mid-1970s.

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August 22nd marks the 234th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 235th in case of leap years).

There are 131 days remaining until the end of the year.

August 22nd is the 22nd day of the month of August.

What day of the week is August 22?

On August 22nd, 2025 the day of the week is Friday.

Holidays and Observances on August 22

The zodiac sign associated with August 22nd is Leo according to the Western Zodiac.

More about August 22 zodiac

What is special about the Leo sign?

• Leo personality traits and attitude
• Leo most and least compatible signs
• Why August born are so special