Incidents During The Hajj - Protests and Violence

Protests and Violence

• November 20, 1979: A group of about 200-500 militants occupied the Grand Mosque, and later were expelled by Saudi Arabian Troops, Pakistani and French forces (three Frenchmen, reportedly, who were converts to Islam.), leaving about 250 dead, and 600 wounded.
• July 31, 1987: Iranian pilgrims rioted, causing the deaths of over 400 people.
• July 9, 1989: Two bombs exploded, killing 1 pilgrim and wounding another 16. Saudi authorities executed 16 Kuwaiti Shia Muslims for the bombings after originally suspecting Iranian terrorists.