[1] The coup was effectively a self-coup, orchestrated by Prime Minister Abdallah Khalil (in office since 1956), against the civilian government formed following the 1958 parliamentary election.

[2][3] Khalil simultaneously served as Minister of Defence in the government.

[4] The coup occurred on the day parliament was to convene.

Khalil, himself a retired army general, planned the coup in conjunction with leading NUP members and the army's two senior generals, Ibrahim Abboud and Ahmad Abd al-Wahab, who became leaders of the new military regime.

Khalil was not allowed to participate in the new government and was retired on a pension.