SAUDI ARABIA: DISTURBANCE IN MECCA

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
0005272902
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
1
Document Creation Date: 
June 22, 2015
Document Release Date: 
August 25, 2008
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
F-2006-00995
Publication Date: 
November 21, 1979
File: 
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PDF icon DOC_0005272902.pdf34.27 KB
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APPROVED FOR RELEASE^DATE: 07-24-2008 (b)(1) (b)(3) The occupation of the major mosque in Mecca by unidenti ied Muslim extremists apparently continued as of early today. Riyadh radio acknowledged the seizure for the first time this morning, but it identified the perpetrators only as "renegades against the Islamic religion" who have presented one of their group as the messiah. The broad- cast did not claim that Saudi National Guard units had recaptured the mosque. F__1 Shooting has occurred, with reports of casualties on both sides. The attack also c.tnci es with the start of the Muslim mourning month of soharram--an event of special importance to Shias.