Aeromexico Hijacking Reminder of Terrorist Threat

by WashDCDemocrat

Aeromexico Flight 576 from Cancun to Mexico City was hijacked earlier today, September 9th, by as many as eight terrorists believed to be Bolivian in nationality. They claimed to have a box filled with explosives, and threatened to detonate it on the plane if they did not speak with Mexican president Felipe Calderon - who was, in fact, at the airport at the time of the hijacking.

They never met with Calderon. The plane was surrounded by federal agents upon landing, and the terrorists eventually surrendered. There was no raid. All passengers and crew were released, and it was discovered that no explosives were on board the aircraft. Initial reports suggested three terrorists, but as many as eight people were detained and taken from the scene.

The fact that this incident occurred two days before the 9/11 anniversary might be coincidence, but the international significance of that day cannot be ruled out as the selection of the day of the hijacking. It's also worth noting that, prior to 9/11, most hijackings ended with the plane landing and with hostages being taken on board; 9/11 was the only instance where hijacked aircraft were used as missiles against fixed targets.

The fact that no explosives were aboard suggests a minimal threat to those on the aircraft, but its unclear if the cockpit door had been breached in flight. If so, this must be remedied, as the 9/11 hijackers were able to do so, with obvious results. The fact that their demand was to speak with the Mexican president suggests that they had a political goal; many terrorists will take hostages to demand the release of political prisoners, convicted terrorists, or demand a sum of money and safe passage out of the country.

This is the first successful hijacking in North America since 9/11, just two days prior to the anniversary. In all probability, there is no link to al-Qaeda or the Middle East. Also, there isn't any evidence yet that suggests that a major overhaul of American security procedures will be needed.