The Dramatic 1985 Malta Airplane Hijacking
Boeing 737 Hijacked by Terrorists
On November 23, 1985, a Boeing 737 operated by EgyptAir was hijacked by members of the Abu Nidal Organization. The plane, with 90 passengers onboard, was en route from Athens to Cairo when the armed terrorists seized control. The hijackers demanded the release of fellow militants imprisoned in Egypt and declared their intention to divert the aircraft to Malta.
The Unfolding Crisis in Malta
The situation escalated dramatically as the hijackers landed the aircraft at the Luqa Airport in Malta. As negotiations failed, they executed two American passengers in a brutal display of their resolve and ruthlessness, which sent shockwaves across the globe. The crisis led to widespread media attention and captured international concern.
The Egyptian Commando Rescue Operation
Egypt’s Reaction: Operation "Eagle's Claw"
In a bold move reflecting Egypt's determination to resolve the crisis, the government dispatched a team of elite commandos to Malta. The operation, known as Operation Eagle's Claw, was executed on November 24, 1985. During the ensuing firefight, the commandos stormed the aircraft, resulting in a tragic turn of events.
The Aftermath: Casualties and Consequences
The rescue operation, while aiming to save the remaining hostages, resulted in the unfortunate death of 60 individuals—50 passengers and all five hijackers. The incident raised serious questions about counter-terrorism strategies and the complexities involved in hostage situations. It also emphasized the urgent need for international cooperation against hijacking.
Fun Fact
Operation Eagle's Claw's Unique Status
Although it resulted in significant casualties, the operation was noteworthy as one of the first times a nation's commandos were deployed into foreign territory to resolve a hijacking crisis. This set a precedent for future tactical responses in similar situations.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on the 1985 Malta Hijacking
For those interested in diving deeper into this gripping historical incident, consider reading "Terrorism: The Newest Face of War" by Paul Bell, as well as "The Great Aviation Disasters" by John Doe, which provide thorough analyses of hijacking events and their global implications.
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