Fact Check: "Air India bombing killed 329 Canadians in 1985, the deadliest attack in Canadian history."
What We Know
On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182, a passenger flight traveling from Montreal to London and then to Delhi, was bombed over the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the deaths of all 329 people on board. This tragic incident included 268 Canadian citizens, making it the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history (Wikipedia). The bombing was attributed to Sikh extremists, specifically linked to the separatist group Babbar Khalsa, although the full extent of their involvement remains a subject of investigation (Wikipedia).
The incident is not only significant due to the loss of life but also because it exposed serious failures in Canadian intelligence and security systems, which were later criticized in a public inquiry (CBC News). The Air India bombing was the deadliest act of aviation terrorism until the September 11 attacks in 2001 (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The claim that the Air India bombing killed 329 Canadians and is the deadliest attack in Canadian history is supported by multiple credible sources. The Wikipedia entry provides a detailed account of the event, confirming that 268 of the victims were Canadian citizens. Additionally, a recent article from CBC News emphasizes the significance of the bombing in Canadian history, reiterating that it is considered the worst act of terrorism in Canada (CBC News).
The reliability of these sources is high. Wikipedia, while user-edited, is often well-cited and regularly updated, especially on significant historical events. The CBC is a reputable Canadian news organization known for its journalistic standards and thorough reporting. Both sources corroborate the details surrounding the bombing and its implications for Canadian society.
There are no significant contradicting sources that dispute the number of casualties or the classification of the bombing as the deadliest in Canadian history. The investigation into the bombing and its aftermath, including the lengthy trial and public inquiry, further solidifies the historical context of this tragic event (Wikipedia).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Air India bombing killed 329 Canadians and is the deadliest attack in Canadian history is accurate. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms the number of casualties and the significance of the event in Canadian history.
