Mecca. Saudi Arabia. Fifty thousand people are gathered in prayer around the holy Kaab, when a person pushes the imam aside and takes the microphone to make an announcement. Others open offering containers and pull out numerous firearms. It is the beginning of an attempt to subvert the Saudi religious and cultural order, and return to a more literal reading of the Quran, with less Western “pollution” (referring to everyday electrical devices, women in public and mingling with men, and movie theaters). The coup plotters number approximately 200, led by imam Juhayman al-Utaybi, who also orders his snipers outside the gates to take up positions at elevated points. The Saudi authorities initially underestimate the problem, and it takes them six days to regain control of the main parts of the structure, but dozens of other rebels have hidden in the maze of rooms and corridors in the basement. The Saudis requested international help through confidential diplomatic channels. The French responded, sending special agents to manage the situation. Long vertical holes were dug in the ground every 50 meters around the building, and gas was pumped into the basement, which was dispersed with grenades. They continued their resistance, in desperate conditions, for several days. Once captured, they were tried, and 68 of them were executed a month later. The first to be killed was Juhayman al-Utaybi. 127 security forces and 117 insurgents were killed during the clashes, in addition to the 68 executed a month later.
