Historical Events tagged with "saudi arabia"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Pakistan International Airlines Flight 740 Crash
Pakistan International Airlines Flight 740, a scheduled passenger flight, tragically crashed near Taif in Mecca Province, Saudi Arabia, killing all 156 individuals on board. The aircraft was a Boeing 707-340B and had encountered adverse weather conditions, leading to a loss of control shortly before its intended landing. The crash occurred as it approached Taif Airport, an area known for its challenging weather patterns due to nearby mountains.
Continue ReadingGrand Mosque Seizure by Sunni Muslims
Around 200 Sunni Muslims took control of the Grand Mosque in Mecca during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, seizing approximately 6,000 hostages. The group objected to the Saudi government’s policies, catalyzing a dramatic standoff with authorities. The Saudi government, facing an unprecedented crisis, sought assistance from French special forces to regain control, culminating in a significant military operation within one of Islam's holiest sites.
Continue ReadingExplosion on Middle East Airlines Flight 438
A bomb exploded on board Middle East Airlines Flight 438 while flying over Qaisumah, Saudi Arabia, resulting in the deaths of all 81 passengers and crew members. The explosion happened at an altitude of 10,000 feet and caused the plane to break apart in mid-air. It is believed to have been a terrorist act, although the identities of those responsible remain unclear. This incident marked one of the deadliest aviation disasters of that time.
Continue ReadingFaisal of Saudi Arabia Assassinated by Nephew
King Faisal of Saudi Arabia was assassinated by his nephew, Prince Faisal bin Musaid. The attack occurred during a private audience at the royal palace in Riyadh. The motive behind the assassination was reportedly rooted in familial and political disputes. The assassination shocked the nation and the world, marking a significant moment in Saudi Arabian history.
Continue ReadingBlack 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.
Continue ReadingKing Saud Deposed by Family Coup
King Saud of Saudi Arabia was removed from power by a coup led by members of the royal family, particularly his half-brother, Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The coup emphasized the internal divisions within the ruling house and signaled a shift in Saudi governance. Faisal, who had previously served as the crown prince and had considerable support, was named king immediately following Saud's deposition.
Continue ReadingOPEC is Established in Baghdad
Delegates from five countries met in Baghdad, Iraq, to establish an organization aimed at coordinating oil production and prices. This organization, known as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), sought to unify petroleum policies among member countries. The founding nations, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela, aimed to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers and ensure a constant supply of oil to consumers. This inaugural meeting marked the beginning of an influencer that would revolutionize the global oil market.
Continue ReadingRoosevelt and Ibn Saud Forge U.S.-Saudi Relations
President Franklin D. Roosevelt met King Ibn Saud aboard the USS Quincy in the Red Sea, marking the official beginning of diplomatic relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia. This pivotal encounter established a framework for cooperation centered around oil and security interests, laying the groundwork for a lasting alliance. Roosevelt and Ibn Saud discussed the importance of maintaining stability in the Middle East while addressing mutual concerns about the post-war world order.
Continue ReadingOil Discovery Transforms Saudi Arabia's Economy
In 1938, the first significant oil reserves were discovered in Saudi Arabia near the town of Dhahran. Geologists from the California Arabian Standard Oil Company (CASOC) were conducting exploratory drilling and struck oil at the Dammam No. 7 well. This discovery marked the beginning of Saudi Arabia's transformation into a major player in the global oil market. The find led to increased foreign investment and set in motion a series of developments that would make the nation one of the world's leading oil producers.
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