Portal:Current events/2020 February 8

February 8, 2020 (Saturday)

Armed conflicts and attacks

Nakhon Ratchasima shootings
- A soldier opens fire in a military camp and a shopping center in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, killing 29 people and injuring 58 others before being shot dead by police the next day. It is considered the deadliest mass shooting in the country's history. (Bangkok Post) (USA Today)
At least ten people have been killed and dozens have been injured in ethnic clashes in Kazakhstan between Kazakhs and Dungans. About 30 houses and 15 commercial properties were destroyed during the clash. (BBC News)
War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
- A shootout during joint exercises with U.S. and Afghan soldiers in Nangarhar Province leaves between four and six Americans, and six Afghans dead. It is unknown if the Taliban or rogue Afghan forces were responsible. (Reuters)

Business and economy

Health and environment

COVID-19 pandemic
- Two people – one Japanese and one American – die from coronavirus in Wuhan. They are the first foreigners (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) to die from it. (NBC News)

International relations

Politics and elections

2020 Irish general election
- Citizens of Ireland head to the polls in the country's latest general election. (The Guardian)
- Exit polls show the republican Sinn Féin, the ruling Fine Gael, and main opposition party Fianna Fáil in a virtual tie. (The Guardian)