On this day, in 1896: Shortest war in world history. The Anglo-Zanzibar War was fought between the United Kingdom and the Zanzibar Sultanate on 27 August 1896. The conflict lasted 38 minutes and is the shortest war in history. The immediate cause of the war was the death of the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini and the subsequent succession of Sultan Khalid bin Barghash. The British authorities preferred Hamud bin Muhammed, who was more favourable to British interests, as sultan. They sent an ultimatum to Khalid demanding that he order his forces to stand down and leave the palace. The ultimatum expired at 09:00. A bombardment was opened at 09:02, which set the palace on fire and disabled the defending artillery. A small naval action took place with the British sinking a Zanzibari royal yacht and two smaller vessels. The flag at the palace was shot down and fire ceased at 09:40.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Aug 2013 04:57:08 +0000
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