Indian Airlines Plane IC 814 was hijacked by Pakistan based terrorist on 24th Dec 1999 in Indian Airspace and taken to Kandhaar. The then Indian government response was to capitulate to the demands of the terrorist and release those brutal terrorists from jail. It was not a good response and exposed the soft underbelly of Indian counter terrorism infrastructure.
Similar hijacking happened on 27th June 1976 (and this book describes in detail) when Air France 139 was hijacked by 4 terrorists belonging to 'Popular front for the liberation of Palestine' when it took off from Athens Airport en route to Paris carrying 246 passengers (mostly Israelis as the Plane was coming from Israel) and 12 crew members. It was taken first to Benghazi (Libya) and then to Entebbe (Uganda). The leader of hijackers was a German anarchist Wilfred Boese. The hijackers were welcomed by Idi Amin Dada (Dictator of Uganda) and given full protectio. The hijackers demanded release of hardcore terrorists from jails of Israel, France and other countries. The hijackers main focus was Israel so they released almost all non Israelis by 1st July 1976. On 2nd July there were about 109 hostages left in Entebbe. Israel entered into negotiations with the terrorist and also started preparing for the military operation. The entire political spectrum of Israel supported Itzhak Rabin (the PM of Israel) and Shimon Peres (the Defence Minister of Israel).
Lt Colonel Jonathan 'Yoni' Netanyahu (elder brother of Benjamin Netanyahu) was given responsibility of leading the strike force. Three Hercules Aircraft landed in sheer silence at Entebbe Airport at 00:001 AM on 4th July. The strike force was in the building housing the hostages within few seconds and exchange of fire started immediately. The sheer surprise of the raid helped the Israel to liquidate the hijackers. All 4 hijackers were killed in firing. Yoni also died in line of duty as he was exposed in while commanding his troops. All the hostages were rescued except 3 civilians (who died in raid) and one 74 year lady. She was killed by Ugandans later. The whole operation lasted only 53 minutes - two minutes less than the dress rehearsal held on the previous day in Israel. The commandos also destroyed 11 Mig Aircraft of Ugandan Air Force lying on the airport.
The Israelis planes were refueled at Nairobi, Kenya. It was a great feat of human spirit and against all odds Israel did the impossible. The name of this raid on Entebbe was "Operation Jonathan". There is also a movie based on this incident.
May be we shall be able to replicate his operation in case we face similar situation.
Highly Recommended (9/10)
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