Archive · 21 Nov 2025
US Embassy in Pakistan Burned; China-India War Ends
On November 21, 1979, a mob in Pakistan angry about false rumors about the US attacked and burned down the US Embassy in Islamabad.
The same day, the 1962 war between China and India ended with China stopping its attack and keeping the land it had taken.
A mob stormed and burned down the US Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan on November 21, 1979
The attack was due to false reports that the US was involved in the seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca
Two Americans and at least one Pakistani soldier died in the attack
The same day, the Sino-Indian War of 1962 ended with China's unilateral ceasefire
The war lasted 32 days and ended with China in control of Aksai Chin
- Who
- A mob of Pakistanis, Chinese and Indian soldiers
- What
- Stormed and burned the US Embassy in Pakistan; Ended the Sino-Indian War
- When
- November 21, 1979
- Where
- Islamabad, Pakistan; Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, India
- Why
- False rumors about US involvement in Mecca; Border disputes and territorial claims
Protesters' View
US & Indian Governments' View
US Embassy Attack
Protesters' View
Justified retaliation for perceived US involvement in Mecca
US & Indian Governments' View
Unprovoked attack on diplomatic mission
Sino-Indian War
Protesters' View
China acted in self-defense and to claim rightful territory
US & Indian Governments' View
China invaded and occupied Indian territory
- Casualties in US Embassy attack
- Two Americans and at least one Pakistani soldier
- Duration of Sino-Indian War
- 32 days
- Territory retained by China
- Aksai Chin