December1999 was the twelfth and final month of that common year. The month, which began on a Wednesday, ended on a Friday after 31 days. It was the last month of the 1990s decade.
Algerian Ahmed Ressam was arrested while crossing the United States-Canada border at Port Angeles, Washington when United States Customs found explosives in the trunk of his automobile. The arrest caused fears of a terrorist attack in the United States and was a major factor in the cancellation of a public New Year's celebration in Seattle. Ressam was later convicted in a plot to bomb Los Angeles International Airport on New Year's Eve.
Current events of December 15, 1999 (1999-12-15) (Wednesday)
Torrential rains caused catastrophic floods and mudslides in the coastal regions of Venezuela, killing an estimated 25,000 people and leaving 100,000 others homeless.
The MRT-3 Metrostar Express line is inaugurated between North Ave. and Taft Ave.
Current events of December 17, 1999 (1999-12-17) (Friday)
The Spanish Civil Guard intercepts near Calatayud (Zaragoza) a Madrid-bound van driven by ETA and loaded with 950 kg of explosives. The next day, another van loaded with 750 kg is found not far from there. The incident is known as "la caravana de la muerte" (the caravan of death). Shortly after 9/11, ETA confirmed their plan had been to blow down Torre Picasso
Current events of December 24, 1999 (1999-12-24) (Friday)
Former BeatleGeorge Harrison is stabbed several times in the chest by Michael Anram, who had broken into his home. Harrison's wife wrestles the knife out the assailant's hand before the police arrives. The man apparently believed that Harrison was the devil. He was later charged with attempted murder
Current events of December 30, 1999 (1999-12-30) (Thursday)
Sarah Knauss dies at the age of 119. She was an American supercentenarian considered the "world's oldest person" by Guinness World Records from April 16, 1998 until her death at age 119.
Bosnian authorities declare the northeast towns of Bosnia and Herzegovina a disaster zone due to severe flooding caused by melting snow. (BBC)
Current events of December 31, 1999 (1999-12-31) (Friday)
Five hijackers, who had been holding 155 hostages on an Indian Airlines Flight 814 aeroplane, leave the aircraft with two Islamic clerics that they had demanded be freed.
Start of Millennium celebrations worldwide (technically the Millennium starts in 2001 not 2000).
