February 11

During the Anglo-Spanish War, Sir Francis Drake launched a surprise assault on the wealthy port of Cartagena de Indias on February 11, 1586. Overwhelming the Spanish defenses, Drake's forces held the city for two months, demanding and receiving a large ransom in gold and goods. His occupation disrupted Spanish trade in the Caribbean and showcased the reach of English privateering. The raid boosted English morale and provoked harsh Spanish retaliation. Drake's success at Cartagena cemented his reputation as one of the era's most formidable seafarers.

As part of the Second Northern War, King Charles X Gustav of Sweden resumed the siege of Copenhagen with a major assault on February 11, 1659. The well-fortified Danish defenses and staunch resistance of the citizens turned back the Swedish attackers with significant casualties. Reinforcements and improved artillery further strengthened Copenhagen's position. The failure of this attack marked a turning point in the siege, boosting Danish morale. The prolonged confrontation ultimately led to the Treaty of Copenhagen in 1660, restoring stability in the region.

The Battle of Bukit Timah, part of the larger Japanese invasion of Singapore, saw intense fighting on February 11, 1942. Japanese forces aimed to secure the vital supply depot and waterworks located on the Bukit Timah ridge. British and Commonwealth defenders held strategic positions in dense jungle and fortified bunkers to resist the assault. Despite their efforts, Japanese troops gradually gained ground using coordinated infantry assaults and artillery support. The battle's outcome contributed to the eventual fall of Singapore on February 15, 1942, marking one of the greatest defeats in British military history. The fierce engagement at Bukit Timah underscored the strategic importance of Singapore to both sides.

On February 11, 2008, a group of rebel East Timorese soldiers launched an attack on President José Ramos-Horta’s residence in Dili. The ambush left the president seriously injured, suffering gunshot wounds, and killed Alfredo Reinado, the rebel leader. The violence shocked the young nation, which had only gained independence in 2002 after years of conflict with Indonesia. International peacekeepers and local forces quickly moved to secure the capital and stabilize the situation. In the aftermath, the East Timorese government reaffirmed its commitment to reconciliation, and new security measures were implemented to protect political leaders.

On February 11, 2013, approximately 200 militants claiming allegiance to the Sultanate of Sulu landed by boat in Lahad Datu District, Sabah, Malaysia, asserting historical territorial claims. The Malaysian government declared a security operation in response to the incursion, leading to days of tense negotiations and sporadic clashes. Civilians in nearby villages were evacuated as the standoff escalated into a full-scale military engagement. By March, Malaysian forces had regained control of the area, resulting in dozens of deaths on both sides. The incident strained diplomatic relations between Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei, reigniting debates over colonial-era treaties and sovereignty.

On February 11, 2017, North Korea launched a ballistic missile over the Sea of Japan, showcasing its strategic weapons development. The missile traveled several hundred kilometers before splashing into international waters, raising alarms in neighboring countries. Japan, South Korea, and the United States strongly condemned the test as a provocative act endangering regional security. The United Nations Security Council convened to discuss further sanctions against North Korea in response to the launch. Pyongyang claimed the test validated the reliability of its nuclear deterrent and missile accuracy. This launch intensified diplomatic tensions on the Korean Peninsula and prompted regional military readiness measures.