1982 invasion of the Falkland Islands

Invasion of the Falkland Islands
Part of the Falklands War
Date2 April 1982 (1982-04-02)
Location51°41′30″S 57°52′22″W / 51.69167°S 57.87278°W / -51.69167; -57.87278
Result Argentine victory
Territorial
changes

Occupation of the Falkland Islands until June 1982

Belligerents

United Kingdom

 Argentina
Commanders and leaders

Margaret Thatcher (Prime Minister)

Leopoldo Galtieri (Head of State)

Units involved
Argentine Navy
Strength
  • 57 Royal Marines
  • 11 armed sailors
  • 40 militia
  • 550 Marines
  • 80 Tactical Frogmen
  • 20 AAV
Casualties and losses
107 captured
  • 1 killed
  • 6 wounded

Argentine forces invaded the Falkland Islands on 2 April 1982 in a military operation code-named Operation Rosario (Operación Rosario). The invasion served as a catalyst for the subsequent Falklands War. The Argentines mounted amphibious landings and the invasion ended with the surrender of Falkland Government House, due to the location of the fighting the invasion is occasionally known as the Battle of Government House.