LUXOR — 1997 · Major Tragedy
Luxor Massacre
On the morning of 17 November 1997, six gunmen disguised as security personnel attacked the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, across the Nile from Luxor. Tourists trapped inside the temple were fired on for about 45 minutes. Sixty-two people were killed, 58 foreign tourists and four Egyptians; 36 of the dead were Swiss, and Japanese and British visitors were also among them. The attackers seized a bus and tried to escape but, after a clash with security forces, withdrew into the nearby hills and were later found dead in a cave. Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya claimed responsibility. The attack dealt a heavy blow to Egyptian tourism and became a decisive turning point in the state's approach to armed groups.
- Date
- 1997
- Place
- Deir el-Bahari, Luxor, Egypt, Luxor, EG
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Closed
- Coordinates
- 25.7380, 32.6060 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 17 November 1997, morningGunmen attacked the Temple of Hatshepsut.
- 17 November 1997The attackers clashed with security forces while fleeing and were later found dead.
- 20 November 1997The bodies of 36 Swiss victims arrived home.
- LaterThe interior minister was replaced and security at tourist sites was tightened.
Sources
- The New York Times — At ancient site along the Nile, modern horror nytimes.com ↗
- BBC News — Luxor massacre news.bbc.co.uk ↗
- The Economist — Bloodbath at Luxor economist.com ↗
- Wikipedia — Luxor massacre en.wikipedia.org ↗
- The New York Times
- BBC News
- The Economist
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.