Hijacking Crisis in France: Key Takeaways and Statistics

Strategic Insights -

The hijacking crisis involving an Air France Airbus A300 in Algeria and subsequent events in France has come to a tragic end, with four hijackers killed and numerous casualties on both sides. The crisis, which lasted over 54 hours, ended with a military assault on the plane as it sat on the tarmac at Marignane airport in Marseilles, southern France. The incident has raised concerns about terrorism, international cooperation, and the safety of air travel.

Key Takeaways:

  • Four Islamic extremists were killed during the assault on the plane, and 12 passengers and the pilot were injured, along with nine members of the French special forces, one of whom lost his hand.
  • The hijackers initially demanded the release of Islamic Salvation Front leaders Abassi Madani and Ali Belhadj, currently under house arrest in Algiers, but later dropped this demand and requested that the plane be cleared for take-off.
  • The hijackers presented an ultimatum to French officials at Marignane airport, demanding enough fuel to allow the plane to reach Paris and the resources to hold a press conference, which they later dropped.
  • The French government has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, with some accusing France of making concessions to the hijackers.
  • The Islamist Salvation Front (FIS) condemned the hijacking, while the Islamist Armed Group (GIA) claimed responsibility, stating that the hijacking was in response to France's unconditional political and economic aid to the Algerian regime.

Statistics:

  • 227 passengers were on board the Air France Airbus A300 when it was hijacked.
  • 63 of the hostages were allowed to leave the plane on Saturday and early Sunday.
  • Three passengers, an Algerian policeman, a Vietnamese diplomat, and an employee at the French embassy in Algiers, were killed.
  • Eight Air France planes have been hijacked since 1973.
  • A total of 23 French nationals have been killed in Algeria since Islamic militants began targeting foreigners more than two years ago.

Sources:

  • "French Interior Ministry officials." French Interior Ministry officials said that four of the Islamic extremists who hijacked an Air France Airbus A300 in Algeria and later flew the plane to France were killed Monday during an assault launched against the plane.
  • "French Prime Minister Edouard Balladur." French Prime Minister Edouard Balladur said Monday he personally ordered the assault and stated that "France will fight terrorism and never accept blackmail, not matter who is trying."
  • "Foreign Minister Alain Juppe." Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said the French government pressured Algerian authorities earlier Monday to allow the plane to fly to France.
  • "Algerian President Liamine Zeroual." Algerian President Liamine Zeroual gave the authorization for the plane to take off after French Prime Minister Edouard Balladur said France would accept the plane when it arrived.
  • "Air France." The Air France Airbus A300 was seized by Islamic extremists on Saturday as it prepared to leave Algiers for Paris with 227 passengers onboard.
  • "French Minister of Public Works, Transportation and Tourism, Bernard Bosson." The French Minister of Public Works, Transportation and Tourism, Bernard Bosson, said Monday that all French-operated sea and air links with Algeria have been temporarily suspended.
  • "The Islamist Armed Group (GIA)." The Islamist Armed Group (GIA) claimed responsibility for the hijacking, stating that it was in response to the French unconditional political and economic aid to the Algerian regime.
  • "The Islamist Salvation Front (FIS)." The Islamist Salvation Front (FIS) condemned the hijacking in a statement Monday.