Syrian Military Incursion into Jordan to Support PLO During Conflict

In September 1970, a significant conflict known as Black September unfolded in Jordan, marking a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history. King Hussein of Jordan took decisive action against the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), expelling them from the country due to escalating tensions and violence. This move prompted a military response from Syria, which invaded Jordan on September 18, 1970, with the intention of supporting the PLO. In a strategic response, the United States requested Israel to mobilize its troops to the Jordanian border, effectively threatening Syria and compelling their withdrawal. Following this conflict, the PLO shifted its base of operations to Lebanon, where the 1969 Cairo Agreement granted them a degree of autonomy in the southern region, which became known as 'Fatahland.' This shift contributed to the complexities of the Lebanese Civil War that erupted in 1975 and lasted until 1990. Additionally, the events of Black September had far-reaching implications, including the rise of Hafez al-Assad in Syria and the succession of Anwar Sadat as Egyptian President after the death of Gamal Abdel Nasser. The ramifications of these events continue to influence the geopolitical landscape of the region today.