Naval postgraduate school monterey, california thesis

2. 
Principles for Hostage Rescue Operations 
a. Intelligence 
The BBE marines and the Dutch authorities maximized the use of the 
negotiations process to gain time and gather intelligence. They successfully debriefed all 
released hostages in depth, gathered special reconnaissance using undercover porters to 
deliver food, and used special teams to infiltrate and get close to the target to emplace 
technical surveillance equipment to pinpoint the terrorists and their intentions. The BBE 
used their sniper-observer teams effectively well in advance; they provided eyes on the 
target continuously and provided effective cover up to the point of execution, by giving 
last minute intelligence reports over their radios.
b. Surprise 
 
The element of surprise was gained through the effective use of a well-
developed deception plan, excellent operator’s skills, and a synergistic approach to 
intelligence. The use of F-104 aircraft to shake and rattle the train with afterburners 
completely disoriented everyone on the train, causing all the hostages to lie down on the 
floor in fear for their lives. The use of sniper fires, diversionary demolition charges in the 
front of the aircraft, and a carefully positioned assault force with the right breaching 
charges, all acted in concert to give the assault force the maximum element of surprise. 
 

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c. Operator’s 
Skills 
Members of the BBE marines are highly skilled operators who know their 
business. They constantly train and rehearse these types of high-risk operations, and are 
well versed in the use of a myriad of weapons in close battle. Once the members of the 
assault force entered the train, they engaged the threat discriminately, selecting targets 
and eliminating seven terrorists. They did not hesitate in eliminating two hostages when 
they refused to abide by the BBE’s instructions. The BBE had complete control of the 
situation from start to finish; the assault lasted only several minutes with complete 
success.