Black September Attacks Saudi Embassy in Khartoum
March 1st, 1973
March 1st, 1973

How Long Ago?
52 years, 14 days ago
Location
Khartoum, Sudan
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Violet M. Jones
- Richard J. Fulbrick
- Joseph R. Barlow
Links & References
Tags
Black September Attacks Saudi Embassy in Khartoum
Black September, a radical Palestinian group, stormed the Saudi embassy in Khartoum, Sudan, taking hostages and resulting in the assassination of three Westerners, including a US diplomat. The assault was part of a broader strategy to articulate grievances against perceived Western complicity in Palestine’s struggles. The operation unfolded over tense negotiations that ultimately escalated to lethal violence, drawing international attention.
Three Western hostages were assassinated.
Black September targeted perceived Western complicity.
The incident heightened tensions in Middle Eastern politics.
Negotiations quickly deteriorated into violence.
What Happened?
On the first day of March in 1973, the Black September Organization executed a daring and violent assault on the Saudi Arabian embassy in Khartoum, Sudan. This operation marked a significant escalation in the group's campaign against both Western interests and the Arab governments they perceived as failing in their support for the Palestinian cause. With members deeply entrenched in the politics of the Middle East, Black September had become increasingly bold in its methods of achieving visibility and instigating fear. After overtaking the Sudanese embassy, they took an unspecified number of hostages, which included several Western diplomats. Negotiations ensued that were tense and fraught with urgency as the group outlined demands linked to the Palestinian plight. However, with pressure building and little sign of resolution, negotiations devolved into tragedy when operatives executed three hostages, highlighting the deadly seriousness of the standoff.
Why Does it Matter?
This incident is significant as it represented a critical moment in the history of international terrorism, highlighting the strategies employed by non-state actors like Black September to gain global attention. The assassination of Western hostages signaled a grim evolution in tactics, demonstrating that the group was willing to escalate violence for the sake of its political objectives. This event helped shift international discourse around terrorism and highlighted the complexities surrounding Middle Eastern politics and its diaspora.
Discover More Historic Events from March 1st
Mass Stabbing at Kunming Railway Station
A mass stabbing occurred at Kunming Railway Station, where attackers armed with knives indiscriminately targeted travelers. The assault took place in the evening, resulting in 35 fatalities and 143 people injured. Reports indicated that the attackers were coordinated in their assault, leading to widespread panic among passengers and bystanders. Authorities condemned this act of violence, labeling it as a terrorist attack aimed at civilians in one of China's busy transport hubs.
Continue ReadingClash During Opposition Rally in Armenia
On March 1, 2008, in Armenia, protests erupted following contested presidential elections, where opposition supporters claimed fraud. A peaceful rally, aimed at voicing electoral grievances, turned violent as police intervened to disperse demonstrators. The confrontation escalated, resulting in tragic outcomes. Ten people were reported dead amidst the chaos, with numerous others injured. This incident marked a significant turmoil in Armenia's political landscape.
Continue ReadingDevastating Tornadoes Hit Southern United States
Severe tornadoes struck the southern United States, particularly affecting Alabama, with intense damage reported. The town of Enterprise faced catastrophic destruction, notably at Enterprise High School, where eight students lost their lives. The weather system that caused the tornadoes developed rapidly, leading to warnings that alerted residents. The storm caused widespread devastation across multiple states, with fatalities, injuries, and extensive property damage. Areas served by emergency services were overwhelmed by calls for help amid the chaos and destruction.
Continue ReadingWikipedia Celebrates One Million Articles Milestone
The English-language Wikipedia reached its one millionth article with a page dedicated to the Jordanhill railway station, located in Glasgow, Scotland. This significant achievement was a testament to the collaborative efforts of countless volunteers devoted to sharing knowledge freely. The completion of the article marked a milestone in Wikipedia's growth, demonstrating the substantial contributions made in diverse fields, including geography, history, and culture. Jordanhill station, first opened in 1884, represents the dedication to preserving local history and the spirit of continuous learning that Wikipedia embodies.
Continue ReadingSupreme Court bans juvenile executions
In a significant ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that executing individuals for crimes committed while they were juveniles is unconstitutional. This landmark decision determined that the United States violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment when it sentences minors to death. The case stemmed from the 1993 conviction of Christopher Simmons, who was 17 at the time of his crime. The ruling was pivotal in reshaping the legal landscape surrounding juvenile justice and capital punishment.
Continue ReadingCustoms and Secret Service Transfer to Homeland Security
The United States Customs Service and the United States Secret Service were formally moved to the newly established United States Department of Homeland Security. This transition was part of a broader initiative to enhance national security following the events of September 11, 2001. The move aimed to create a more unified approach to safeguarding the nation against terrorist threats and securing its borders, with the Department officially coming into existence on this date.
Continue Reading