Today in History

November 17, 1997

The Luxor Massacre

One of the darkest events in international tourism occurred on this date in 1997 in Luxor, Egypt. One of Egypt’s top tourist attractions, the Temple of Hatshepsut, was filled with tourists from around the world at around 08:45 am. Six Islamic militants disguised as members of the security forces and armed with automatic firearms and knives opened fire within the temple. Sixty-three tourists were killed in the temple as well as a tour guide and three security guards. The assailants took over a bus but were stopped by security forces. In the ensuing gun battle, one militant was wounded and captured, but the rest fled into the hills. They were later found dead, victims of suicide. As a result of the outrage surrounding the massacre, Egyptian tourism was severely affected for many years to come.

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