Hijackers Threaten to Kill Hostages if Airbus 300 Not Refuelled

Strategic Insights -

Hijackers, claiming to be members of the Armed Islamic Group, have taken over an Air France Airbus 300, holding more than 170 hostages, including French citizens and foreigners, on board. After being seized in Algiers on Saturday, the plane was allowed to leave, but the hijackers have now threatened to kill more hostages if it is not refuelled and allowed to fly to Paris. French Government and Algerian consulate officials are negotiating with the hijackers, but no decision has been made to refuel the plane. The situation remains tense, with the hijackers' intentions unclear.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Armed Islamic Group, a fundamentalist guerrilla group, is believed to be responsible for the hijacking.
  • The hijackers have killed three people, including a French embassy cook and two passengers, one of whom was an Algerian policeman and the other a Vietnamese diplomat.
  • The group has previously threatened foreigners, telling them to leave the country or face death, resulting in the killing of more than 70 foreigners.
  • The pilot of the Airbus 300 is refusing to comply with an Algerian plan to free the hostages, instead siding with the hijackers.
  • French officials are praising the crew for their "courage and coolness" in the face of the hijacking.
  • The situation remains tense, with the hijackers threatening to kill more hostages unless their demands are met.

Statistics:

  • Over 170 hostages are being held on board the Airbus 300.
  • The hijackers have killed 3 people, including a French embassy cook and two passengers.
  • The Armed Islamic Group has killed more than 70 foreigners since warning them to leave the country.
  • The hijacking occurred on Saturday and the plane has been grounded in Marseilles for 12 hours.

Sources:

  • Radio France-Info
  • Reuter