Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Still, there are enough data relative to the more “traditional” hijacking
scenarios to support this statement. The initial assault may well be an
extremely violent experience as the hijackers take control of the plane.
Passengers and crew may be randomly shot or beaten, and the attackers
may be screaming out orders for everyone to follow. At this time they are
seeking to terrify those on board into following their orders. Yet this is not
always the case. There have been incidents where the hijackers have man-
aged to take control of the plane by quietly gaining access to the cockpit.
RESCUE ATTEMPTS
Attempts to retake the aircraft also present extreme dangers to the pas-
sengers and crew of the aircraft. Ordinarily, hijackings are treated in much
the same way as hostage situations; trained hostage negotiators attempt
to end the situation peacefully by establishing a dialogue with the hijack-
ers. The assault option is held as a last resort to implement if negotia-
tions fail or if the hijackers begin killing the passengers. If an assault is
attempted, it will, if the entry team is well trained, be fast and violent. The
doors may be breached by explosive charges, and flash bangs (stun
grenades) will likely be used both as a diversionary tactic and to disorient
the hijackers. If the assault team is wearing night-vision equipment to give
them a tactical advantage over the hijackers, the lights may be cut, plung-
ing the plane into total darkness. Your only option is to get yourself and
those with you as low as possible. Do not stand up for any reason. The
assault team will be yelling for you to get down. Anyone standing, espe-
cially if the person gets up quickly, will in all likelihood get shot. Once the
plane is secured, everyone will be ordered off. Standard procedure is to
have the passengers exit with their hands up. This is done because the
police or military team conducting the rescue has no way of knowing if
you are a passenger or a hijacker. There have been several documented
cases of hijackers attempting to escape by exiting quietly along with the
passengers. Until the rescuers are sure of your identity, expect to be con-
sidered a possible suspect. Most Americans recall the sight of terrified
children running out from Columbine High School with their hands up
after the horrific mass-shooting incident.
Once you have been properly identified, you will in all likelihood
receive considerable assistance from the State Department officials mon-
itoring the situation. Your health and safety will be their first concern, as
