1509

The Battle of Diu takes place near Diu, India, between Portugal and Turkey. Also known as the Second Battle of Chaul, the conflict centered on gaining control over the Indian Ocean to route trade down the Cape of Good Hope, previously controlled by the Arabs and the Venetians.

1943

Germans surrender at Stalingrad, Russia, announcing the final defeat of the German 6th Army. The declaration brings to an end 5 months of bloodshed.

1966

Pakistan suggests a six-point agenda with Kashmir after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965; the Second Kashmir War fought over 5 weeks causing thousands of casualties.

1989

The last Soviet armoured column leaves Kabul after a nine-year conflict where Soviet Union supported the Marxist-Leninist government of the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan at their own request against the Mujahideen Resistance.

1990

The President of South Africa De Klerk lifts the 30-year ban on leading anti-apartheid group the African National Congress. He also commits to release jailed ANC leader Nelson Mandela.