Terry Anderson, chief Middle East correspondent for the Associated Press, was taken hostage by a group of armed men in Beirut. The abduction occurred against the backdrop of the Lebanese civil war, which began in 1975 and involved numerous factions, including militias from various sectarian groups vying for power. At the time of Anderson's kidnapping, the atmosphere in Beirut was particularly volatile, with frequent bombings and violence as rival factions clashed. Anderson was in Beirut to report on the ongoing conflict, highlighting the struggles and complexities of life in war-torn Lebanon.

During his captivity, Anderson endured significant hardships, including isolation and uncertainty about his fate. He was held by various groups associated with the Lebanese civil war, and throughout the years, many of his fellow Western hostages were released, while others were not. Anderson's case drew considerable media attention and sparked discussions regarding the dangers journalists face in conflict zones. His family's ongoing advocacy for his release reflected the distressing reality faced by families of hostages.

After over six years in captivity, Anderson was finally released in December 1991, shortly after the end of the Gulf War and amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. His release marked a bittersweet moment, reflecting both relief and the grim realities of prolonged captivity faced by many hostages during this turbulent period in Lebanon's history.