Unit 777

From Free net encyclopedia

Unit 777 (in Arabic: وحدة 777 قتال), also known as Task Force 777, is an Egyptian counter-terrorism unit created in 1977 and developed with help from the UK and US special forces communities. Unit 777 has sniper and counter-sniper capabilities, especially in urban and desert environments. Its members are also occasionally charged with VIP protection details for political figures and the president of Egypt.

Their only notable operation was an attempted hostage rescue from a hijacked jetliner on Malta in 1985, following the execution of two passengers. At least 57 hostages were killed in the resulting battle. Many hostages were killed directly by Unit 777's actions, including an attempt to breach the roof of the aircraft with explosive charges and the sniper element killing hostages as they attempted to escape from the aircraft. The aircraft was destroyed in the resulting fire and there was nearly a friendly fire incident between Unit 777 and local forces.

Unit 777's international reputation was sullied by the incident, and has not notably improved since. It is believed that the United States still contributes training and technical assistance to Unit 777.

[edit]