The Egyptair Flight 648 Hijacking Incident
Overview of Egyptair Flight 648
On November 23, 1985, Egyptair Flight 648, a Boeing 737, was hijacked by members of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad while en route from Athens to Cairo. The aircraft was taken hostage, with over 50 passengers and crew aboard. The hijackers demanded the release of political prisoners in Egypt and sought asylum in another nation.
Events Leading Up to the Storming of the Jet
After the plane was diverted to Malta, it was surrounded by a large contingent of military. Negotiations were attempted between the Egyptian government and the hijackers, but the environment grew increasingly tense. The passenger count was tragically reduced as casualties rose amid the standoff, creating a hazardous situation for all on board.
The Military Operation: Commandos Storm the Jet
The Decision to Rescue Hostages
On November 24, 1985, after several hours of negotiations that failed to yield a peaceful resolution, the Egyptian government decided to use military force to save the hostages. Armed Egyptian commandos initiated a storming operation of the aircraft. The operation sought to neutralize the hijackers and rescue any remaining survivors.
The Aftermath of the Assault
Tragically, during this military intervention, 58 individuals died, including passengers and the hijackers. The fate of the hostages put the Egyptian government in an extremely difficult position, having to balance the need for a strong response with the desire to safeguard lives. The operation became a topic of intense debate in international circles regarding the approaches to dealing with terrorism.
Fun Fact
The Notable Circumstances of the Incident
This event is often cited as a critical moment in aviation security history, leading to increased measures and protocols to counteract hijackings.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on Aviation Security
For those interested in exploring the implications of this incident further, consider reading “Terror in the Skies: A History of Aircraft Hijackings” and “The Age of Terror: America and the World After 9/11” to gain deeper insights into the evolution of aviation safety and counter-terrorism strategies.
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