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Events on Thursday 24 April 1980 1
1980Operation Eagle ClawFailed US attempt to rescue Iran hostagesOn 24 April 1980 the United States launched a covert mission to rescue 52 American hostages held in Tehran. The operation was aborted after mechanical failures, and a collision between a helicopter and a transport aircraft killed eight US servicemen. Its failure damaged President Carter's re-election prospects and prolonged the hostage crisis.