A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On April 2, 1982, Argentine troops seized the disputed Falkland Islands from the United Kingdom, sparking the Falklands War.
A total of 649 Argentines and 257 Britons died in the 74-day war.
The Falklands had been a British colony for a century and a half. In the years following World War II, Argentina had requested that the Falklands be returned to them within the context of increasingly anti-colonialist policies around the world. In 1965, the United Nations passed Resolution 2065, which encouraged Britain and Argentina to negotiate a settlement to the dispute.
In mid-March, elements of the Argentine navy, disguised as civilians, landed on South Georgia Island and raised the Argentine flag. Some in Britain regarded this action with mild amusement, though others saw it for what it was: a prelude to an invasion of the Falklands.
But the Argentinians did attack on April 2. The move was seen as an act of naked aggression by the Argentines, and Britain chose to fight to reclaim the islands.
By late April Argentina had stationed more than 10,000 troops on the Falklands, although the vast majority of these were poorly trained conscripts, and they were not supplied with proper food, clothing and shelter for the approaching winter.
It did not take long for the British military to overpower the troops, making assaults by land, sea and air. On June 14, the military leadership surrendered.
The British captured some 11,400 Argentine prisoners during the war, all of whom were released afterward.
The Falkland Islands are currently a self-governing British Overseas Territory, with the United Kingdom providing defense and handling foreign affairs. While Argentina claims sovereignty over the islands, the islanders voted overwhelmingly in 2013 to remain a British territory.
Here are some articles from Deseret News archives about the conflict and the aftermath:
“Argentines seek peaceful resolution in Falklands 30 years later”
“This week in history: Argentina invades the Falkland Islands”
“Thatcher pays a visit to Falklands”
“Argentine denies British shot prisoners””