Interception of the Egyptian Plane Carrying Achille Lauro Hijackers

On October 10, 1985, a significant event unfolded involving the U.S. Navy and the hijackers of the Achille Lauro cruise ship. This incident marked a pivotal moment in international counter-terrorism efforts and showcased the complexities of geopolitical relations during the Cold War era.

Background

The Achille Lauro, an Italian cruise ship, was hijacked on October 7, 1985, by four members of the Palestine Liberation Front (PLF) while sailing in the Mediterranean Sea. The hijackers demanded the release of 50 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. During the hijacking, they killed an American passenger, Leon Klinghoffer, a wheelchair-bound Jewish man, and threw his body overboard, which intensified international outrage.

The Interception

Following negotiations, the hijackers agreed to release the hostages in exchange for safe passage. They were transported to Egypt, where they boarded an EgyptAir Boeing 737. However, the United States, determined to bring the hijackers to justice, intervened.

• Operation: U.S. President Ronald Reagan authorized a mission to intercept the plane. U.S. Navy F-14 Tomcat fighter jets from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga were dispatched to intercept the EgyptAir flight.
• Execution: The F-14s successfully intercepted the plane over the Mediterranean Sea and forced it to land at Naval Air Station Sigonella, a NATO base in Sicily, Italy.

Arrest and Aftermath

Upon landing, a tense standoff ensued between U.S. and Italian authorities over jurisdiction. Ultimately, the Italian government took custody of the hijackers, asserting their legal right to prosecute crimes committed on an Italian vessel.

• Legal Proceedings: The hijackers were tried in Italy. Abu Abbas, the mastermind behind the hijacking, was not on the plane and initially evaded capture. He was later apprehended by U.S. forces in Iraq in 2003.
• Diplomatic Tensions: The incident strained U.S.-Egyptian relations, as Egypt had intended to grant the hijackers safe passage. It also highlighted the challenges of international law and jurisdiction in dealing with terrorism.

Historical Significance

The interception of the EgyptAir flight was a bold demonstration of U.S. resolve against terrorism and set a precedent for international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. It underscored the complexities of international diplomacy and the importance of collaboration among nations in addressing global security threats. The event remains a notable example of military and diplomatic strategy during the 1980s.