Naval postgraduate school monterey, california thesis

2. 
Principles for Hostage Rescue Operations 
a. Intelligence 
GSG-9 utilized HUMINT and TECHINT means to prepare their assault.
They determined early in the siege the number of terrorists inside the aircraft through 
signals given by the aircrew, such as numbers of newspapers requested or four cigarettes 
thrown in the trash tied together. Sniper-observer teams used thermal devices to pinpoint 
activity inside the aircraft, specifically the use of radios by the terrorists. Intelligence 
sources debriefed the pilot, while he was coordinating to get fuel for the aircraft. Finally, 
blueprints and a replica of the aircraft were used to prepare for the rescue.
b. Surprise 
The four terrorists were taken completely by surprise, thanks to a well-
coordinated and simple deception plan backed up by excellent operator’s skills. The 
surreptitious movement to the aircraft and the silent ladder placement allowed the assault 
team to get in position unbeknownst to the terrorists just feet away. The explosive breach 
and the use of stun grenades completely disoriented the terrorists, giving the assault team 
the precious seconds required to dominate and eliminate the threat.
c. Operator’s 
Skills 
The operators from GSG-9 remained flexible throughout the numerous 
refueling stops and stages involved prior to the aircraft’s final landing at Mogadishu.
They adapted quickly to every situation, readjusting their plan to fit the scenario. They 
conducted numerous rehearsals on a similar aircraft, honing their skills in preparation for 
the assault. They also listened and welcomed the expert advice from two British SAS 
operatives throughout all phases of the operation. During the assault element’s approach, 
sniper-observer teams properly guided the assault force’s movement into the target area, 
looking for any signs that the terrorists were changing positions, or a possible 
compromise of the assault force. Finally, the GSG-9’s actions on the objective were 
executed violently and with precision fires, neutralizing the threat before it could engage 
any of the hostages or the rescue personnel.
d. Deception 
The use of a simple deception plan at the front of the aircraft, in this case a 
fire, provided a critical diversion to cover the final approach to the target. The 

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combination of radio communications to maintain the threat in the cockpit of the aircraft, 
in combination with the use of stun grenades and the fire, created just enough of a 
diversion to allow the assault team the element of surprise.