On this day — September 9

marking the first time a NATO member has engaged Russian military assets.

World leaders condemn the act, with South Korea calling it "maniacal recklessness".

in a streak of 21 consecutive successful PSLV launches.

the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula, is ceremonially inaugurated.

Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on STS-115 to resume assembling the International Space Station. It is the first ISS assembly mission after the Columbia disaster back in 2003.

leader of the Northern Alliance, is assassinated in Afghanistan by two al-Qaeda assassins who claimed to be Arab journalists wanting an interview.

Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on STS-64.

The Palestine Liberation Organization officially recognizes Israel as a legitimate state.

Massacre of 184 Tamil civilians by the Sri Lankan Army in Batticaloa District.

Thailand, while on approach to Don Muang International Airport, killing 76.