1971 Moroccan coup attempt
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The 1971 Moroccan coup d'état attempt, popularly known as the Skhirat coup d'état, was a failed effort by rebel military leaders to overthrow King Hassan II of Morocco on 10 July 1971, during his forty-second birthday party. The first of two attempted coups during Hassan's rule, it was organized by a rebel faction of the Royal Armed Forces led by Lieutenant-Colonel M'hamed Ababou and General Mohamed Medbouh.
Mohamed Ababou (left), who was later imprisoned for the coup attempt, next to Hassan II at a military parade, c. 1962
Hassan II of Morocco
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Hassan II was King of Morocco from 1961 until his death in 1999.
Hassan II in 1983
Mawlay Hassan studying at the Royal College in 1943
Mawlay Hassan and his father, Sultan Mohammed V in 1950
King Hassan II greeting the public on his way to prayer in Marrakesh, 1966