In 2003 the ‘first phase’ of the Iraq invasion by allied forces began. The United States led the operation with Scud missile attacks launched against the capital city of Bagdad on this day in 2003. Saddam prevented UN inspectors entering Iraq during 2002 but he had since started loosening restrictions allowing their return. Erroneous intelligence claimed that Saddam was making Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD’s) and both the United Kingdom’s and United States leaders claimed that he would be able to launch a strike on western targets within minutes. While the majority of the international community wanted to continue with checks and diplomacy the U.K. and U.S. wanted to take a less diplomatic approach giving Saddam 48 hours to leave Iraq.  When the deadline was up on this day the ‘First Phase’ began. This consisted of the bombing of military sites and deployment of troops that toppled Saddam’s regime and he went into hiding. On May 1^st 2003 US President George W. Bush announced to the world the end of major combat in Iraq and so began ‘Phase 2’. Power of Iraq was officially handed over to the new Iraqi regime on the 28^th of June 2004 and troops remained in Iraq to ‘win the hearts and minds of its people’. Saddam was discovered hiding in a hole and sentenced to death by an Iraqi court, he was hung on the 30^th of December 2006. Phase Two proved to be the most difficult and costly phase of the war with many thousands dead on both sides and Iraqi deaths reportedly reaching 500,000 since it began.

In 1995 a Japanese Cult called Aum Shinrikyo (Supreme Truth) left several packages in Tokyo subways which were detonated, releasing sarin Gas and killing twelve commuters. 5,000 people were also injured in the attack but many more would follow killing and injuring many more. The Supreme truth was a doomsday cult whose leader, Shoko Asahara, claimed to be the second coming of Jesus Christ and that he could time travel. Police immediately began a manhunt for Ashara which was initially unsuccessful. At of the cult’s camps, located at the base of Mount Fuji, they found the chemicals used for the production of the gas as well as a plan to buy nuclear weapons from the Russians (the cult was immensely rich as new members would have to give up all possessions to cult leaders). At the same camp but at a later occasion they found a hidden room with several of the cult leaders including the chemist that made the sarin gas. After more attacks took place they finally found the Ashara hiding in yet another secret room at the Mt. Fuji camp.

In 1974 an attempt was made to kidnap Princess Anne and her husband Captain Mark Phillips by Mr Ian Ball. They were in a chauffer driven car travelling down the Mall, leading to Buckingham Palace, when Mr Ball blocked the road with his car and began shooting. The Princess’s Private detective shielded the Princess a then returned fire wounding Mr Ball. A note was found in the pocket of the would- be kidnapper addressed to the Queen demanding £3 million for their safe return.