Today in World War II History—April 1, 1941
Thursday, April 1, 2021 by Sarah Sundin

Regent Abdul Illah of Iraq (British government photo: photographer Cecil Beaton)
80 Years Ago—Apr. 1, 1941: In Iraq, military officers under pro-Axis former prime minister Rashid Ali al-Gaylani begin a coup to overthrow pro-British Regent Abdul Illah.
Italians declare Asmara, capital of Eritrea and last Italian stronghold, an open city; British & Indian troops occupy Asmara.