Falklands War

On April 2, 1982, Argentine forces launched an invasion of the British-controlled Falkland Islands, located in the South Atlantic. The Argentine military operation involved a coordinated attack to seize control of the islands, aiming to assert Argentina's longstanding claim over the territory. The move led to a swift response from the United Kingdom, prompting the beginning of the Falklands War as the British government decided to dispatch a naval task force to retake the islands.

Following the invasion of the Falkland Islands by Argentine forces, the United Kingdom launched a naval task force to retake the islands. On April 5, 1982, a large fleet, including aircraft carriers HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible, departed from Portsmouth harbor. The task force's mission was to restore British sovereignty over the Falklands, and it marked one of the largest maritime deployments by Britain since World War II, showcasing Britain's determination to defend its territory.

On May 2, 1982, the Argentine cruiser ARA General Belgrano was sunk by the British submarine HMS Conqueror. The attack claimed the lives of 323 Argentine sailors and dramatically escalated the conflict. The sinking, which occurred outside the exclusion zone declared by the British around the Falklands, was controversial but was deemed a strategic necessity by the British to reduce the threat posed by Argentine naval forces. The event significantly impacted public opinion and was a pivotal moment in the conflict.

British forces launched a major amphibious landing on East Falkland on May 21, 1982, near San Carlos. The operation, known as Operation Sutton, aimed to establish a secure beachhead to serve as a base for the campaign to retake the islands. Despite facing fierce resistance from Argentine forces and adverse weather conditions, the British successfully secured the area, allowing for further inland operations. This pivotal event marked the beginning of the land campaign to reclaim the Falklands.

The Falklands War officially ended on June 14, 1982, when Argentine forces in the Falkland Islands surrendered to British troops. The surrender took place in the capital, Port Stanley, after weeks of intense fighting. British forces had successfully advanced across East Falkland, defeating Argentine troops at key battles such as Goose Green and Mount Tumbledown. The British victory re-established control over the islands, with the conflict having significant political and military repercussions for both countries.