King Hussein declares war on Palestinian forces
September 16th, 1970
September 16th, 1970

How Long Ago?
54 years, 5 months, 27 days ago
Location
Jordan
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Black September
People
- Yasser Arafat
- King Hussein of Jordan
- King Faisal of Saudi Arabia
- Nasser of Egypt
Links & References
Tags
King Hussein declares war on Palestinian forces
King Hussein of Jordan initiated military actions against the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in September of 1970, marking the start of a significant conflict known as Black September. The fight arose from tensions between the Jordanian government and armed Palestinian factions operating within the country. Violent confrontations led to extensive fighting in urban areas, dramatically impacting the civilian population and displacing thousands. The conflict was driven by political rivalries and concerns over Palestinian autonomy.
Tensions between Jordan and the PLO escalated.
King Hussein viewed PLO influence as a threat.
Conflict led to mass displacement and casualties.
PLO forces were forced to relocate to Lebanon.
What Happened?
In September 1970, the tensions between the Jordanian government and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which had established a strong presence in Jordan, escalated dramatically. These tensions were largely due to the increasing influence and militarization of the PLO, which began to challenge Jordanian sovereignty and authority. King Hussein of Jordan, anxious about the potential for a Palestinian state that might threaten the monarchy, perceived the armed groups as a direct threat to his rule. The situation boiled over when a series of violent incidents occurred, leading Hussein to declare war on the PLO.
The conflict, termed Black September, saw intense fighting from Jordanian armed forces against Palestinian militants within the urban centers of Jordan, especially in cities like Amman. The military operations were characterized by extensive urban warfare, which resulted in significant casualties among both combatants and civilians. The Jordanian military mobilized to restore order, while the Palestinians fought fiercely to maintain their foothold in the country.
The conflict ultimately led to a decisive victory for the Jordanian forces, scattering many Palestinian fighters into neighboring countries. The aftermath saw the PLO regrouping in Lebanon, leading to further regional conflicts. International reactions varied, with some Arab nations supporting the PLO, while others backed Jordan. This civil strife within Jordan significantly affected its internal politics and relations with surrounding nations for years to come.
Why Does it Matter?
The Black September conflict had profound implications for Middle Eastern politics, changing the dynamics of power between Jordan and the Palestinian factions. It not only reshaped Jordanian domestic policy but also influenced the status of the PLO, pushing them to seek new leverage and support from other Arab nations, particularly Lebanon. The events set the stage for ongoing tensions in the region and impacted Palestinian nationalism, making it a critical moment in the larger narrative of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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