2024 in review: Recap of major international events

2024 sees escalating global crises, from Syria’s collapse to political upheavals in Korea.

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As 2024 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the events that defined the year.

From significant political shifts and climate challenges to unforgettable sports moments and major entertainment milestones, this year was one for the history books.

Here is a look at key moments of the year

1. Collapse of Assad government in Syria

Photo: Reuters

On December 8, 2024, the Assad regime in Syria collapsed following a major offensive by opposition forces. Spearheaded by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and supported predominantly by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army, the offensive dealt a decisive blow to the regime.

The collapse of the Assad regime sent shockwaves through the region, bringing an end to one of the most brutal chapters in modern Middle Eastern history, This marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing Syrian civil war, which had been raging since 2011, with shifting alliances and territorial control constantly altering the course of the conflict.

As the regime's downfall unfolded, a shocking discovery was made: a slaughterhouse used by Assad's forces for brutal executions and torture.

While many Syrians are celebrating the fall of Assad's regime, they remain deeply uncertain about the future, questioning what lies ahead in a country long divided by war, displacement, and the complexities of rebuilding.

2. South Korea's failed martial law

Photo: Reuters

On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, accusing the Democratic Party (DPK) of "anti-state activities" and collaborating with "North Korean communists" to destabilize the country.

His decree suspended political activities, dissolved the National Assembly, and suspended the free press, while he also reportedly ordered the arrest of political opponents. This move, widely seen as an attempted self-coup, sparked protests and was opposed by both parties.

The National Assembly quickly passed a motion to lift martial law, despite military interference, and by December 4, martial law was rescinded. The incident led to the resignation of several officials and the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Yoon.

On December 14, the National Assembly formally impeached Yoon, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo briefly became acting president before his own impeachment on December 27.

The power of the South Korean people was evident throughout this crisis, with the swift legislative response, protests, and strong opposition that ultimately led to the impeachment of the president and his administration's collapse.

3. Sudanese Civil War

Photo: Reuters

The civil war in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, has tragically entered its second year in 2024, and the people of Sudan continue to bear the brunt of a brutal power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The conflict has claimed nearly 15,000 lives and displaced over 8.2 million people, creating the world’s worst displacement crisis.

Millions are living in unimaginable conditions, with more than 25 million in dire need of humanitarian aid, as food shortages push the country into the worst hunger crisis in years.

Amidst these horrors, peace talks have failed repeatedly, and violence—often targeted at vulnerable communities—persists, with horrific war crimes and ethnic cleansing reported, particularly in Darfur.

In 2024, millions of Sudanese refugees have fled to neighboring countries, seeking safety in Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, but face further uncertainty and hardship.

Despite international efforts, the struggle for peace continues, and the hopes of Sudanese people for a better future grow ever more desperate as they endure a devastating conflict with no end in sight.

4. Intensifying impact of climate change

Photo: Reuters

Humanity has long been warned about the dangers of climate change due to our reliance on fossil fuels, and 2024 will be remembered as the hottest year on record.

The average global temperature was 1.5°C higher than pre-industrial times, a critical threshold set by the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported 24 weather-related natural disasters in the first ten months of 2024, each causing over $1 billion in damage.

These included devastating wildfires, hurricanes, and floods.

In South America, severe droughts led to parts of the Amazon drying up. While COP 29 made some progress in helping developing countries reduce emissions and adapt to climate change, the overall response was limited.

Scientists made strides in technologies to mitigate climate impacts and transition to a green economy, but the concern remains that these efforts may be too little, too late, as many consequences of climate change, like the intrusion of ocean water into freshwater sources, are still unfolding.

5. Israeli belligerence continues in the Middle East

Photo: Reuters

The ongoing situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with over 45,000 Palestinians killed since the escalation began on October 7, 2023.

The relentless Israeli bombardment has decimated entire neighborhoods, leaving civilians in a state of despair, with widespread starvation, disease, and destruction.

International voices continue to call for a ceasefire, condemning the collective punishment of Palestinians and the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which violate international law.

Palestinian representatives, along with numerous UN delegates, argue that the pursuit of a two-state solution is jeopardized by Israel's actions, including the forced displacement of Palestinians and continued illegal settlement activities.

The United States has blocked several ceasefire resolutions, further intensifying the suffering of innocent civilians.

In addition to the violence in Gaza, Israel has launched attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, escalating tensions across the region and exacerbating instability.

Despite these actions, calls for accountability, humanitarian assistance, and an end to Israeli occupation are growing louder on the international stage. The Israeli government's narrative of security is being increasingly questioned as global condemnation of its actions mounts, demanding justice and the protection of Palestinian rights.

6. Assassination attempt on Donald Trump and election win

Photo: @nafissadiwan on X

On July 13, 2024, Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee, survived an assassination attempt while speaking at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.

Trump was shot and wounded in his upper right ear by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who fired eight rounds from an AR-15-style rifle from a nearby rooftop.

Crooks also killed one audience member and critically injured two others before being shot and killed by the Secret Service's Counter Sniper Team.

Trump was treated and released from the hospital later that day and made his first public appearance after the shooting two days later at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

He later went on to win the country's November vote becoming the President-elect and is scheduled to take office next month.

7. Devastating plane crashes

Photo: Reuters

A devastating string of aviation disasters in December 2024 has resulted in hundreds of deaths, sparking widespread concern and intensified scrutiny of the aviation industry's safety protocols.

The incidents include a Jeju Air crash in South Korea that killed 179 people, an Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan that killed 38, a private plane crash in Brazil that killed 10, a Britten-Norman Islander crash in Papua New Guinea that killed 5, a Kamaka Air crash in Hawaii that killed 2, a Cessna plane crash in Brazil that killed 2, a Bombardier Challenger crash in Argentina that killed 2, and a small aircraft crash in Scotland that killed 1.

The tragedies have left countless families shattered, with many facing unbearable grief and trauma. The thought of loved ones boarding a flight, only to never return, is a devastating reality that many are struggling to come to terms with.

The emotional toll on the families and friends of the victims is immeasurable, with many lives forever changed by these tragic events.

The news of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s death on May 19, 2024, also adds to the tragic toll this year due to aviation.

Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, a disaster that shocked the nation and the world.

While the cause of the crash was initially unclear, investigations later suggested a technical malfunction, though some speculated about potential sabotage.

8. Bangladesh students protests

Photo: @iLive_Real on X

In 2024, students in Bangladesh erupted in protests against the reinstatement of a 30% quota for the descendants of freedom fighters, which had been reversed by the government in 2018.

The protests, fueled by frustration over economic inequality, corruption, and limited job opportunities, began in June and escalated throughout the summer. On July 1, students formed the Bangladesh Anti-Discrimination Student Movement to oppose quotas, and by July 8, they had established a 65-member committee.

Tensions rose on July 16 when police shot at a student and a coordinator, prompting widespread participation from students across the country.

Protests grew more intense, with protesters setting fire to Bangladesh Television's headquarters on July 18 and police imposing a nationwide curfew on July 19.

On August 5, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned, and the movement culminated in the fall of her government.

In response to the violence, the United Nations Human Rights Office sent a fact-finding mission to investigate alleged human rights violations.

9. Unfortunate deaths during Hajj

Photo: @insharifain on X

In 2024, extreme heat during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia led to the deaths of at least 1,301 pilgrims, with over 2,700 reported cases of heat exhaustion.

Among the dead, at least 600 were Egyptian, 132 Indonesian, 60 Jordanian, 35 Tunisian, and 13 from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Pilgrims from Iran, Senegal, and Jammu and Kashmir also perished from heatstroke. Many casualties were attributed to heat-triggered health issues like high blood pressure, especially among unregistered pilgrims who lacked access to air-conditioned facilities and proper food and water stations.

The influx of unregistered pilgrims overwhelmed the infrastructure, exacerbating the crisis.

Additionally, one death was reported from a crowd crush, though it was unclear if it was related to the heat. Witnesses described scenes of pilgrims lying along the roadside, with ambulances struggling to navigate the chaos.