Today in News History

On July 6, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 640, Battle of Heliopolis: The Muslim Arab army under 'Amr ibn al-'As defeat the Byzantine forces near Heliopolis (Egypt). In 1917, World War I: Arabian troops led by T. E. Lawrence ("Lawrence of Arabia") and Auda ibu Tayi capture Aqaba from the Ottoman Empire during the Arab Revolt. In 1936, A major breach of the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal in England sends millions of gallons of water cascading 200 feet (61 m) into the River Irwell. In 1947, Referendum held in Sylhet to decide its fate in the Partition of India. In 1962, As a part of Operation Plowshare, the Sedan nuclear test takes place. In 1967, Nigerian Civil War: Nigerian forces invade Biafra, beginning the war. In 1975, Amir-Abbas Fakhravar, Iranian journalist and activist was born. In 1997, The Troubles: In response to the Drumcree dispute, five days of mass protests, riots and gun battles begin in Irish nationalist districts of Northern Ireland. In 2012, Hani al-Hassan, Palestinian engineer and politician (born 1939) passed away. In 2013, A 73-car oil train derails in the town of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec and explodes into flames, killing at least 47 people and destroying more than 30 buildings in the town's central area. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.