Some of the world’s most wanted militants were killed at the hands of government forces in 2009. South Korea mourned two presidents, a prominent human rights activist was killed and many who helped change history in their own countries and beyond were remembered.
For full obituaries of those listed below, click on their names.
The celebrated South African politician was, for 13 years, the only MP to openly condemn the country’s whites-only apartheid regime.
Died: 1 January, in Johannesburg, aged 91.
The Tamil Tiger leader was killed trying to flee the Sri Lankan army as it moved in to the last rebel-held patch of jungle in the north-east to declare victory over the insurgency.
Died: around 18 May, in north-east Sri Lanka, aged 54.
The former South Korean president is thought to have committed suicide by jumping into a ravine. His family had been under investigation over allegations of corruption during his term in office.
Died: 22 May, in mountains near Gimhae, aged 62.
Gabon’s president led the West African state for more than four decades, making him Africa’s longest-serving ruler.
Died: 8 June, in a Spanish clinic, aged 73.
US foreign secretary during the Vietnam war and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He later wrote of his regret over his Vietnam role, describing the war as "terribly wrong".
Died: 6 July, in Washington DC, aged 93.
The award-winning Russian human rights activist had been investigating alleged human rights abuses in Chechnya when she was kidnapped as she left her home in Grozny. Her body was found in neighbouring Ingushetia.
Died: 15 July, in the North Caucasus, aged 50.
The legendary US TV anchor, who fronted CBS Evening News from 1962 to 1981, was known to millions as "the most trusted man in America".
Died: 18 July, in New York, aged 92.
Catapulted into Philippine politics following the murder of her senator husband, Mrs Aquino became president when the 1986 "people power" uprising deposed Ferdinand Marcos.
Died: 1 August, in the Philippines, aged 76.
President of South Korea from 1997 to 2003, he pioneered the so-called Sunshine Policy of engagement with North Korea.
Died: 18 August, in Seoul. His date of birth was unclear.
The veteran US Senator and brother of former President John F Kennedy and Senator Robert F Kennedy, who were both assassinated, died after a long battle with a brain tumour.
Died: 26 August, in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, aged 77.
The leader of the Taliban in Pakistan was one of the most wanted militants. Pakistan said he died in a missile strike on his father-in-law’s compound on 5 August, but the Taliban did not confirm his death until later in the month.
Died: August, in South Waziristan.
Chief minister of Andhra Pradesh and an influential politician from the Congress party, he was killed along with four others in a helicopter crash.
Died: 2 September, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, aged 60.
Indonesia’s most-wanted Islamist militant was killed with three others during a police raid. He was believed to have been a key recruiter and financier for the Jemaah Islamiah militant group, but had formed his own more hard-line splinter group.
Died: 17 September, in central Java, aged 41.
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