Main content

The siege of Mecca

In 1979 Islamist militants seized control of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. Hundreds were killed as Saudi security forces fought to retake the shrine.

In 1979 Islamist militants seized control of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. Hundreds were killed as Saudi security forces battled for two weeks to retake the shrine. The militants were ultra-conservative Sunni Muslims who believed that the Mahdi, the prophesied Redeemer, had emerged and was a member of their group. The 大象传媒's Eli Melki spoke to eyewitnesses who were inside the Grand Mosque during the siege.

Photo: Fighting at the Grand Mosque in Mecca after militants seized control of the shrine, November 1979 (AFP/Getty Images)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Tue 27 Apr 2021 02:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 26 Apr 2021 07:50GMT
  • Mon 26 Apr 2021 11:50GMT
  • Mon 26 Apr 2021 17:50GMT
  • Tue 27 Apr 2021 02:50GMT

Podcast