Operation Feuerzauber: The Successful Rescue of Lufthansa Flight 181

On October 18, 1977, the German counter-terrorism unit GSG 9 successfully ended the hijacking of Lufthansa Flight 181, an event often mistakenly associated with “Operation Entebbe,” which was a separate Israeli operation in 1976. The operation to rescue Flight 181 was known as “Operation Feuerzauber” (Fire Magic).

Background

• Hijacking Details: Lufthansa Flight 181, a Boeing 737 named “Landshut,” was hijacked on October 13, 1977, by four members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). The hijackers demanded the release of Red Army Faction (RAF) members imprisoned in Germany and a ransom of $15 million.

• The Hijackers: The group was led by Zohair Youssif Akache, who used the alias “Captain Martyr Mahmud.” The hijackers were armed and threatened to kill passengers if their demands were not met.

• The Hostage Situation: The plane’s odyssey took it from Palma de Mallorca to several stops, including Rome, Cyprus, Bahrain, Dubai, and Aden, before finally landing in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Operation Feuerzauber

• GSG 9 Involvement: GSG 9, a newly formed elite counter-terrorism unit of the German Federal Police, was tasked with the rescue operation. The unit was established after the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics, where the need for a specialized counter-terrorism force became evident.

• The Rescue: On the night of October 17-18, 1977, GSG 9, with support from Somali forces, stormed the aircraft at Mogadishu Airport. The operation lasted just seven minutes.

• Outcome: All 86 passengers and crew were rescued unharmed. Three of the four hijackers were killed, and the fourth was captured. The pilot, Jürgen Schumann, had been executed by the hijackers earlier in Aden.

Aftermath and Significance

• Impact on Germany: The successful operation was a significant morale booster for West Germany during the “German Autumn,” a period marked by a series of terrorist activities by the RAF.

• GSG 9’s Reputation: The success of Operation Feuerzauber established GSG 9 as one of the world’s leading counter-terrorism units, setting a precedent for future operations.

• International Relations: The operation highlighted the importance of international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts, as evidenced by the collaboration between German and Somali authorities.

In conclusion, the rescue of Lufthansa Flight 181 by GSG 9 was a pivotal moment in counter-terrorism history, demonstrating the effectiveness of well-coordinated, specialized military operations in resolving hostage crises.