Black September
Black September was an armed conflict in Jordan between the Jordanian government under King Hussein and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), with its main fighting taking place in September 1970 and related violence continuing into 1971.
Black September was an armed conflict in Jordan between the Jordanian government under King Hussein and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), with the main fighting taking place in September 1970 and related violence continuing into 1971. The term also refers to the later Palestinian militant faction Black September, formed in 1971, which carried out attacks outside Jordan.
Background
By 1970, armed Palestinian factions had a significant presence in Jordan and were increasingly in conflict with the Jordanian state. This growing confrontation led to a violent power struggle between King Hussein’s government and the PLO.
Conflict
The main fighting took place between 16 and 27 September 1970. Although the central phase ended quickly, instability and related military actions continued into 1971. A ceasefire was reached in late September 1970 during Arab leadership talks in Cairo.
Aftermath
The conflict weakened the PLO’s position in Jordan and contributed to the relocation of its leadership and fighters. The episode also shaped later Palestinian militancy, including the creation of the Black September Organization in 1971.
Legacy
Black September remains a major event in modern Jordanian and Palestinian history. It is remembered both as a civil conflict and as a turning point in the Palestinian movement’s regional strategy. The conflict is also associated with the international impact of the later Black September Organization, particularly the 1972 Munich Olympics attack, which affected global security policy.
Key facts
- The conflict arose from escalating tension between Jordan and Palestinian armed groups operating in the country.
- The main fighting occurred in September 1970, with later clashes and aftermath extending into July 1971.
- The conflict is also referred to as the Jordanian Civil War.
- A ceasefire was reached in late September 1970 during Arab leadership talks in Cairo.
- The events helped drive the PLO leadership and fighters out of Jordan.
Canadian readers may know Black September through its international impact, especially the 1972 Munich Olympics attack carried out by the later Black September Organization, which affected global security policy and public awareness of Middle East conflict.
Frequently asked questions
What was Black September?
Who were the main leaders involved?
Why is it called Black September?
How long did the fighting last?
Is Black September the same as the Black September Organization?
What happened after the conflict?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_SeptemberSupports: Main conflict description, Jordanian Civil War alternative name, dates, parties, and aftermath.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-September-political-organization-PalestineSupports: Black September Organization, founding in 1971, objectives, and dissolution in 1974.
- UNRWA — https://www.unrwa.org/content/black-septemberSupports: Conflict between the PLO and Jordanian Armed Forces and the movement of the PLO leadership from Jordan to Lebanon.
- Jewish Virtual Library — https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/black-septemberSupports: Ceasefire timing and events in Jordan being referred to as Black September.