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Major Events of December 2021: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from December 2021 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of December 2021: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Dec 2021 Tula Prison Break by Armed Cartel: On December 1st, 2021, a sophisticated and violent prison break occurred in Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico. Armed cartel members launched a coordinated assault using vehicles and car bombs to free nine inmates, including a prominent local drug lord. The operation resulted in two law enforcement officers being injured, demonstrating the significant power and operational capabilities of organized crime groups in the region.
  • 02 Dec 2021 India Detects First Omicron COVID-19 Case: India reported its first cases of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, identified in two foreign travelers who entered Karnataka, marking a significant milestone in the global spread of the new coronavirus variant.
  • 03 Dec 2021 New Zealand Introduces COVID-19 Traffic Light System: On December 3, 2021, New Zealand transitioned to its new COVID-19 Protection Framework, also known as the Traffic Light System. This significant public health strategy marked a pivotal moment in the country's pandemic response, particularly for Auckland, which was allowed to ease lockdown restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals. The framework introduced a color-coded system to manage pandemic risks and provide more flexibility while maintaining public health safeguards.
  • 04 Dec 2021 Biden Addresses Russian Troop Buildup Near Ukraine: President Biden carefully evaluated strategic options in response to Russia's substantial military buildup near the Ukrainian border. U.S. intelligence suggested a potential invasion involving approximately 175,000 troops, potentially as early as January 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded NATO guarantees against Ukrainian membership, which the U.S. firmly rejected.
  • 05 Dec 2021 Major Military Engagement in Niger: A large-scale insurgent attack occurred in TillabĂ©ri, Niger, involving hundreds of militants on motorcycles targeting an international military base. The intense battle resulted in significant casualties: 79 insurgents and 29 soldiers were killed during the confrontation.
  • 06 Dec 2021 Global COVID-19 Omicron Variant Spread and Vaccination Progress: Multiple countries reported their first Omicron variant cases, including Nepal (two cases), Thailand (a U.S. citizen), Connecticut, and Argentina. India simultaneously announced a milestone of over 50% adult population fully vaccinated, with a target of 100% vaccination by December 31. Argentina also approved the Sputnik Light vaccine for standalone and booster use.
  • 07 Dec 2021 Biden Warns Putin Over Ukraine Tensions: US President Joe Biden held a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, explicitly warning of potential economic consequences if Russia continues its military build-up near Ukraine, escalating diplomatic tensions.
  • 08 Dec 2021 Biden Addresses Potential Ukraine-Russia Conflict: During escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden explicitly stated that American troops would not be unilaterally deployed to Ukraine as a deterrent against a potential Russian invasion, signaling a cautious diplomatic approach to the emerging geopolitical crisis.
  • 09 Dec 2021 US COVID-19 Vaccination Milestone: The United States reached a significant milestone by surpassing 200 million COVID-19 vaccinations. The Omicron variant's emergence paradoxically boosted vaccination demand as people sought protection against the new variant.
  • 10 Dec 2021 Global COVID-19 Pandemic Updates: Multiple COVID-19 developments occurred globally: Laos reported a record 1,645 new cases, bringing its total to 86,148. Singapore approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children aged 5-11. Cyprus detected its first Omicron variant case. The Czech government mandated COVID-19 vaccination for people over 60, healthcare workers, police, firefighters, and military personnel.
  • 11 Dec 2021 UK Warns Russia Over Potential Ukraine Invasion: U.K. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss issued a strong diplomatic warning to Russia, threatening 'severe consequences' if the country proceeded with an invasion of Ukraine. Truss urged European leaders to reduce their dependence on Russian natural gas and suggested potential financial sanctions, including potentially blocking Russian access to British financial markets. This statement was part of escalating international tensions surrounding Russia's military buildup near the Ukrainian border.
  • 12 Dec 2021 G7 Warns Russia Against Ukraine Invasion: The G7 nations issued a stern warning to Russia, emphasizing that any invasion of Ukraine would incur 'massive consequences' and severe economic and diplomatic repercussions, escalating international tensions.
  • 13 Dec 2021 U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Reaches 800,000: The United States coronavirus-related death toll reached 800,000, marking a devastating milestone in the pandemic. Public health officials warned of potential new case surges during winter, with increased indoor gatherings and the spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant raising significant health concerns.
  • 14 Dec 2021 Global COVID-19 Pandemic Milestones: The United States reached a grim milestone of over 800,000 COVID-19 deaths, maintaining the world's highest mortality rate. Meanwhile, Indonesia expanded its vaccination efforts by initiating COVID-19 vaccine administration for children aged 6-11. South Korea reported a record 94 COVID-19 deaths in a 24-hour period, underscoring the ongoing global pandemic challenges.
  • 15 Dec 2021 US-Russia Security Negotiations Intensify: During a critical meeting at the Russian Foreign Ministry, the US delegation received a draft treaty concerning security guarantees between the Russian Federation and the United States, along with a proposed agreement on security measures for Russia and NATO member states.
  • 16 Dec 2021 Tragic Bouncy Castle Accident in Tasmania: A devastating incident occurred in Devonport, Tasmania, Australia, where a fatal accident involving an inflatable castle resulted in the deaths of five children and injuries to four others. The castle was reportedly lifted into the air, causing the tragic casualties.
  • 17 Dec 2021 COVID-19 Global Update: Multiple countries reported significant COVID-19 developments: Cambodia exceeded 3,000 total deaths, Mongolia experienced its first day without COVID-19 deaths since April, and Qatar identified its first four Omicron variant cases.
  • 19 Dec 2021 Gabriel Boric Elected President of Chile: Gabriel Boric, a former student activist and left-wing politician, was elected as the President of Chile, making history as the youngest president in the country's democratic era. At 35 years old, Boric represents a generational shift in Chilean politics, emerging from the student protest movements of 2011 to become a national political leader. His election signaled a significant political transformation in Chile, moving away from traditional conservative politics towards a more progressive, youth-driven political approach.
  • 20 Dec 2021 Global COVID-19 Vaccination and Travel Restrictions: Multiple countries implemented new COVID-19 vaccination and travel policies. Thailand approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children aged 5-11. India reported over 85% partial vaccination and 55% full vaccination. Israel banned travel to several countries due to the Omicron variant. Kuwait introduced new requirements for vaccinated travelers, including booster shots and self-isolation.
  • 21 Dec 2021 U.S. Arms Sale to Lithuania Amid Russia Tensions: The U.S. State Department approved a significant military equipment sale to Lithuania, a NATO ally, consisting of 341 FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles and 30 command launch units. This arms transfer occurred during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions with Russia, signaling strategic military support for Eastern European NATO members.
  • 22 Dec 2021 Removal of Pillar of Shame Monument at University of Hong Kong: In a controversial move, the University of Hong Kong removed the Pillar of Shame, a significant memorial sculpture commemorating the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre. This action symbolizes ongoing tensions between academic institutions and political sensitivities surrounding historical remembrance of human rights events in China.
  • 23 Dec 2021 Supreme Court to Review Biden's Vaccine Mandates: The U.S. Supreme Court scheduled an emergency hearing to examine legal challenges to President Biden's coronavirus vaccine mandates, addressing critical public health policy questions.
  • 24 Dec 2021 Mo So Massacre in Myanmar: Burmese military forces committed the Mo So massacre, killing at least 44 civilians in a brutal act of violence, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Myanmar.
  • 25 Dec 2021 James Webb Space Telescope Launch: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), the most powerful space observatory ever built, was successfully launched from French Guiana's Kourou spaceport. This groundbreaking telescope represents a significant milestone in astronomical research, capable of peering deeper into space and time than any previous instrument.
  • 26 Dec 2021 Death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu: Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prominent South African Anglican cleric, passed away at age 90. A key figure in the anti-apartheid movement, Tutu was instrumental in promoting reconciliation and social justice in post-apartheid South Africa, serving as a moral compass for the nation's transition to democracy.
  • 27 Dec 2021 Darwin's Voyage of Discovery: Naturalist Charles Darwin embarked on his groundbreaking round-the-world voyage aboard the HMS Beagle, a journey that would later inspire his revolutionary theory of evolution by natural selection.
  • 28 Dec 2021 Israeli Airstrike on Latakia Port during Syrian Civil War: On December 28, 2021, Israeli forces reportedly conducted an airstrike on the Port of Latakia in Syria, targeting what was believed to be an Iranian munitions storage facility. Syrian state media confirmed the attack, which appeared to be part of the ongoing shadow conflict between Israel and Iran in Syrian territory. The strike reportedly caused secondary explosions, suggesting the presence of significant ammunition stockpiles. This incident was notable as it represented the second Israeli attack on this strategic port facility within the same month, highlighting the complex geopolitical tensions in the region.
  • 29 Dec 2021 Kazakhstan Celebrates Solidarity Day on 30th Independence Anniversary: Kazakhstan commemorated its Solidarity Day, a significant national holiday marking three decades since gaining independence from the Soviet Union. This five-day public holiday is designed to promote national unity, celebrate cultural diversity, and strengthen inter-ethnic relationships among the country's various ethnic groups. The event symbolizes Kazakhstan's journey of nation-building and peaceful coexistence since becoming a sovereign state in 1991.
  • 30 Dec 2021 Marshall Fire Devastates Colorado Suburban Communities: On December 30, 2021, a rare and unprecedented winter wildfire swept through Boulder County, Colorado, destroying approximately 1,000 homes in suburban neighborhoods between Boulder and Denver. The Marshall Fire, fueled by extreme drought conditions, hurricane-force winds, and dry vegetation, became the most destructive wildfire in Colorado's history in terms of property damage. The blaze rapidly spread through the communities of Louisville, Superior, and unincorporated Boulder County, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate and causing extensive damage to residential areas.
  • 31 Dec 2021 Death of Betty White, Beloved Actress: Iconic actress Betty White passed away on December 31, 2021, just weeks before her milestone 100th birthday. Her remarkable career spanned over seven decades, making her a beloved figure in American entertainment, known for her comedic roles in shows like 'The Golden Girls' and 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show'.