January 21, 2000 (Friday)
Two car bombs explode during rush-hour in Madrid, Spain; killing one army officer and injuring several others. The attack was carried out by ETA (Basque Homeland and Freedom), marking the end of a two-year ceasefire. Violent attacks continued in the following years although in May 2018, ETA announced that it was formally disbanding. The move marked the end of a half-century of violence that had claimed the lives of more than 800 people.
Amidst an economic crisis, a coup d'état takes place in Ecuador, resulting in President Jamil Mahuad being sent into exile, and replaced by Vice President Gustavo Noboa. The coup coalition brought together a short-lived junta composed by the country's most powerful indigenous group, Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, and a group of junior military officers led by Lieutenant Colonel Lucio Gutiérrez. Unfortunately, Human Rights Watch reports that Ecuador continues to face significant human rights challenges.
A total lunar eclipse takes place, the first of two total lunar eclipses of the year.
I also learned that January 21 is National Hugging Day! <3