1972 Moroccan coup attempt

The 1972 Moroccan coup attempt was an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate King Hassan II of Morocco on 16 August 1972.

The attempt was orchestrated by General Mohamed Oufkir, a close advisor to King Hassan. He was assisted by Mohamed Amekrane, commander of the Moroccan air force base at Kenitra. On August 16, four Northrop F-5 jets, acting on Oufkir's orders, intercepted Hassan's Boeing 727 as it returned from France. Reportedly, King Hassan (himself a pilot), grabbed the radio and told the rebel pilots, "Stop firing! The tyrant is dead!" Fooled, the rebel pilots broke off their attack.

Hassan's plane landed safely at Rabat's airport, which was strafed by air force jets, killing eight and injuring 40. Kenitra Air Base, where most of the rebellious air force officers were from, was surrounded and hundreds arrested.

Oufkir was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds later on August 16, officially from suicide.