Event:
Iraqi troops and Shiite militia members, aided by U.S. air strikes, free the town of Amerli from Islamic State control; the rebel group seized the town two months ago, blocking access to food and supplies; rations were air-dropped after the victory
More Notable Events on August 31:
1988 5-day power blackout of downtown Seattle begins
1980 Poland's Solidarity labor union forms
1955 1st solar automobile demonstrated, Chicago, Illinois
1886 1st major earthquake recorded in eastern U.S., at Charleston SC, 110 die
1842 U.S. Naval Observatory authorized by an act of Congress
