On a fateful day in December, Air France Flight 8969 was set to leave Algiers for Paris when it was overtaken by a group of four terrorists aligned with the Armed Islamic Group of Algeria (GIA). This hijacking unfolded in the context of Algeria's civil war, which saw rising tensions and violent confrontations in the 1990s. The terrorists took control of the aircraft at the Houari Boumediene Airport, creating a tense situation that put the lives of the passengers and crew at risk. With approximately 200 people onboard, the hijackers made their demands clear, primarily seeking the release of their imprisoned comrades and making political statements against the Algerian government.

As the situation escalated, negotiations failed and the terrorists resorted to violence, killing three passengers during the ordeal. The Algerian authorities and Air France worked tirelessly to manage the crisis, with attempts to negotiate while also planning a potential rescue. Over three days of tension, the security forces prepared for a possible assault as the hijackers remained determined and dangerous.

The standoff culminated when Algerian special forces stormed the plane, leading to a violent confrontation that ended with the deaths of all four hijackers. The aftermath of this event underscored the volatility of the political climate in Algeria at the time and the need for international protocols regarding aviation security and responses to hijackings, thereby leaving an indelible mark on counter-terrorism strategies globally.