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Carlos the Jackal is Captured

History Daily

Thu Aug 14 2025

Summary

History Daily Podcast Summary
Episode: Carlos the Jackal is Captured
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Lindsey Graham
Produced by: Airship, Noiser, Wondery

Introduction

In this gripping episode of History Daily, host Lindsey Graham delves into the tumultuous life and criminal career of one of the world's most infamous terrorists: Carlos the Jackal. Released on August 14, 2025, the episode meticulously traces Carlos's journey from his early days in Venezuela to his eventual capture in Sudan, highlighting the key events and motivations that propelled him to global notoriety.

Early Life and Ideological Foundations

[05:31] Lindsey Graham begins by setting the scene in December 21, 1975, five months after Carlos's notorious murder of three men in a Paris apartment. Carlos, born Elitch Ramirez Sanchez in Venezuela, hailed from a wealthy family. Despite his affluence, his father was a committed Marxist who "did his best to pass his ideology onto his children," even sending Carlos to a Communist revolutionary school in Moscow.

“He named his sons after Vladimir Ilyich Lenin and sent Carlos to a Communist revolutionary school in Moscow.” [13:06]

Rise to Terrorism

Carlos's early exposure to Marxist ideology led him to affiliate with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a revolutionary group striving to end the Israeli occupation and establish a socialist Palestinian state. His involvement with the PFLP marked the beginning of his transition from a political ideologue to a full-fledged terrorist.

“To Carlos, joining the Palestinian cause is the clearest path to bringing about a global socialist revolution and making a name for himself in the process.” [13:06]

Infamous Acts and Growing Notoriety

In June 1975, Carlos and his comrades attempted to assassinate two Israeli airliners at a Paris airport. Although the French authorities initially failed to connect him to the attack, this incident was pivotal in establishing his reputation.

“But the French haven't connected Carlos to the attack and he hopes to keep it that way.” [00:00]

The turning point came on a hot summer night in June 1975 when Carlos, under the alias "Carlos," was confronted by the French police at a Paris house party. When one of his co-conspirators, Michel, betrayed him by identifying him to the authorities, Carlos retaliated violently.

“Carlos pulls out his rifle and shoots him dead before bursting inside the conference room where he fires his gun into the air and orders everyone onto the ground.” [05:31]

This brazen act not only led to his transformation into one of France's most wanted criminals but also earned him the moniker "Carlos the Jackal."

OPEC Kidnapping and Failed Mission

Carlos's notoriety surged following the 1975 OPEC kidnapping in Vienna, Austria. On December 21, 1975, he orchestrated a daring raid on the OPEC headquarters, taking ministers hostage to leverage attention and funds for the Palestinian cause. Despite meticulous planning, international pressure forced Carlos to release the hostages, leading to the mission's failure.

“Amid pressure from foreign governments, Carlos is forced to release all his hostages, including the Saudi and Iranian ministers.” [05:31]

Nevertheless, the event cemented his status as a prominent terrorist figure, prompting the formation of his own group, the Organization for Arab Armed Struggle (OaaS).

“After falling short in this mission, Carlos will be expelled from the Popular Front. But eager to hold on to his infamy, he will form his own organization and continue to make his name as one of the world's most feared terrorists.” [13:06]

Continued Terrorism and Escalation

Throughout the early 1980s, Carlos continued his spree of terrorist activities across Europe and the Middle East. His actions included bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings aimed at destabilizing governments and promoting his revolutionary agenda.

“Governments the globe over are now afraid of getting on Carlos bad side. They know he will not hesitate to assassinate officials or blow up embassies when he feels like it.” [13:06]

In 1982, Carlos intensified his campaign against France in response to the arrest of his wife Magdalena and operative Bruno Breguet. Demanding their release, Carlos orchestrated a series of bombings and assassinations to pressure the French government.

“Magdalena and Bruno must be released within 30 days and given safe passage to a country of their choice.” [13:06]

Despite his relentless efforts, Carlos's tactics led to increased scrutiny and a reinvigorated manhunt by international authorities.

Capture in Sudan

After years of eluding capture, Carlos's extensive network began to erode as he lost support from his Eastern Bloc hosts. Seeking refuge in various countries, his movements became more precarious. Finally, on August 14, 1994, Carlos was apprehended in Khartoum, Sudan.

“Around 3am, while lying in bed, he's rudely awoken. Carlos feels the air knocked out of him and a heavy weight pinning his limbs down.” [19:32]

Despite his attempts to resist, Carlos was overpowered and taken into custody. Initially believing he was captured by the Israeli Secret Service, he soon realized he was in the hands of the French authorities.

“But soon he learns he's actually the captive of the French in France.” [19:32]

In 1997, Carlos was tried and found guilty in France for multiple crimes, including the 1975 murders. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, bringing an end to his decade-long career of terror.

“In 1997, Carlos will be found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for this and other crimes in France.” [19:32]

Conclusion

Lindsey Graham's detailed recounting of Carlos the Jackal's life offers a comprehensive look into the making of a global terrorist icon. From his privileged upbringing in Venezuela to his ruthless actions across continents, Carlos's story is a stark reminder of the impact of extremist ideologies and the lengths to which individuals will go to further their agendas. His eventual capture and imprisonment marked the end of a dark chapter in modern history, but the echoes of his actions continue to serve as lessons for combating terrorism and understanding its roots.

Notable Quotes:

Lindsey Graham: “He named his sons after Vladimir Ilyich Lenin and sent Carlos to a Communist revolutionary school in Moscow.” [13:06]
Lindsey Graham: “To Carlos, joining the Palestinian cause is the clearest path to bringing about a global socialist revolution and making a name for himself in the process.” [13:06]
Lindsey Graham: “Carlos pulls out his rifle and shoots him dead before bursting inside the conference room where he fires his gun into the air and orders everyone onto the ground.” [05:31]
Lindsey Graham: “Magdalena and Bruno must be released within 30 days and given safe passage to a country of their choice.” [13:06]
Lindsey Graham: “In 1997, Carlos will be found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for this and other crimes in France.” [19:32]

This episode serves as a compelling exploration of Carlos the Jackal's life, offering listeners an in-depth understanding of his motivations, actions, and the relentless pursuit that ultimately led to his capture.

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Transcript

Lindsey Graham (0:00)

There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad free. Listen with Wondry plus in the Wondery app as a member of Noiser plus at noiser.com or in Apple Podcasts. Or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts@intohristory.com It's a hot summer night on June 27, 1975 at a small house party in Paris, France. 25 year old Elitch Ramirez Sanchez flirts with a young woman at the party. Ilic is a long way from his home in Venezuela and here in Paris he goes by the name Carlos. As he and the young woman chat, another partygoer interrupts with troubling news. Police have just arrived at the door and they want to speak to Carlos. Carlos tries to hide his concern. He's not sure what the police could want to talk to him about, but there's plenty of possibilities because for years Carlos has been working with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a revolutionary group dedicated to ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent socialist Palestinian state. Earlier this year, Carlos and his fellow members tried to blow up two Israeli airliners at a Paris airport. But the French haven't connected Carlos to the attack and he hopes to keep it that way. Carlos does his best to appear nonchalant as he walks up to the authorities. The officers ask him about his background and recent whereabouts, but Carlos stonewalls them and then threatens to call his ambassador, failing to get any information out of him. The officers leave, but it's not long before they're back again, and this time with another guest as the front door swings open. So standing next to the officers is Michel, one of Carlos Popular Front co conspirators. Michel was arrested a few days ago in connection to the Front's failed airliner attacks, and ever since he's been under interrogation and it looks like he's finally cracked. The room quiets as one of the officers asks Michel to identify anyone in the room he knows. Shaking with exhaustion and fear, Michel slowly raises his arm and points his finger at Carlos. Before anyone can apprehend him, Carlos pulls out a semi automatic pistol and begins firing. His first target is the man who betrayed him. As Michel falls to the ground, Carlos takes aim at the police officers. Within seconds they are also on the ground. As they lie there bleeding, Carlos takes one look at the gory scene he's created before dashing out the door and making his escape. Foreign members of the French National Police arrived at the apartment to find Carlos. He was only a person of interest but in a matter of several seconds, Carlos will transform into one of France's most wanted criminals. As authorities ramp up their search for clues about Carlos's identity and whereabouts, the far reaching extent of his crimes will be revealed. Soon after, the media will dub him Carlos the Jackal. But rather than fear his newfound notoriety, Carlos will relish it. After leaving France, he'll commit a string of terrorist acts meant to shock the world and cement his status as a revolutionary, orchestrating some of the world's most shocking acts of political terror and earning him the title of the world's most wanted criminal before he's finally captured on August 14, 1994. History Daily is sponsored by a Truby. Lately, you may have been hearing about a serious but rare heart condition called attr, Cardiac amyloidosis, or attrcm. Because symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions, it may take time to be diagnosed, but learning more about ATTRCM and a treatment called Atrubi, also called Acharamidis, could be important for you or a loved one. Atruby is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with ATTRCM to reduce death and hospitalization due to heart issues. In one study, people taking Atrube saw an impact on their health related quality of life and 50% fewer hospitalizations due to heart issues than people who didn't take a truby, giving you more chances to do what you love with who you love. Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding and about the medications you take. The most common side effects were mild and included diarrhea and abdominal pain. If you have AttRCM, talk to your cardiologist about a Truby or visit attruby.com, that's attruby.com to learn more. Oh, hey.

Lindsey Graham (5:31)

From Noiser and Airship, I'm Lindsey Graham, and this is history. Daily history is made every day on this podcast. Every day, we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world. Today is August 14, 1994. Carlos the Jackal is captured. It's December 21, 1975, in Austria, about five months after Carlos the Jackal murdered three men in a Paris apartment. It's a quiet Sunday morning in Vienna. The city is calm as the Christmas holiday approaches, but it won't be so for much longer. In the middle of the city streets walks Carlos the Jackal, though he looks slightly different now. Since fleeing France, Carlos has celebrated his 26th birthday, grown a goatee and started sporting longer hair. Today he's wearing a black beret, mimicking the style of his idol, the hero of the Cuban revolution, Che Guevara. But one thing about Carlos has stayed the same. Though he looks a tad more bohemian now than his time in Paris, Carlos still insists on wearing designer clothes. He may consider himself a revolutionary, but he's never left behind his extravagant upbringing. Carlos was born in Venezuela to a very rich family. But despite his wealth, Carlos father considered himself a Marxist and did his best to pass his ideology onto his children. He named his sons after Vladimir Ilyich Lenin and sent Carlos to a Communist revolutionary school in Moscow. Eventually, Carlos was kicked out of that school, but not before allying himself with members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. To Carlos, joining the Palestinian cause is the clearest path to bringing about a global socialist revolution and making a name for himself in the process. After getting involved with its paramilitary wing, Carlos went from training and fighting in Jordan to planning assassinations, kidnappings and bombings in Europe. And by the time the French police found him in June, Carlos already had a lengthy resume of deadly acts, but he was still largely unknown. That all changed after his shooting in Paris. The crime has brought him international infamy, but Carlos has been able to evade authorities and continue his terrorism. Today, he and his comrades are preparing their most ostentatious act yet. They are going to storm into the meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, or opec, and take its ministers hostage. They'll use their prisoners to draw attention to the Palestinian cause and demand funds for their militant operations. Walking next to Carlos are five of his fellow terrorists. Their hearts pound as they approach the building housing OPEC's headquarters. Slung over their shoulders are duffel bags filled with weapons and explosives. But Carlos and his team try to act casual as they enter the building. They stroll through the lobby before heading upstairs toward the conference room. Then, as they enter the reception area, they open fire. An economist in the room tries to stop them, but it's no use. Carlos pulls out his rifle and shoots him dead before bursting inside the conference room where he fires his gun into the air and orders everyone onto the ground. Just as Carlos and members of his team take control, Austrian police officers arrive. But the terrorists are able to drive them back with gunfire, grenades and a threat. If the police don't retreat, they'll promise to kill everyone in the conference room. As the officers start to comply, it's time for the next phase of the plan. Their directions from the Popular Front are to kidnap the leaders of the OPEC and board an airplane. Then they will execute the Saudi and Iranian ministers who in the Popular Front's eyes have betrayed the Palestinian people by cooperating with the west and Israel. Next, Carlos's team will fly the plane to drop iron each minister off in their home country, but only after a ransom is paid and a pro Palestinian message is broadcast. If successful, they will raise millions of dollars for Palestinian fighters and put the Palestinian cause front and center on the world stage. It may feel like a far fetched plan, but Carlos has made a name for himself among his allies and enemies by doing the unthinkable. Today, he's determined to live up to his reputation. Included in the demands he provides to the Austrian authorities are safe transport for his team and hostages to a plane with a crew and for the Popular Front's manifesto to be read over the radio every two hours. Throughout negotiations, Carlos tries to leverage his notoriety, instructing the negotiator to tell them, I'm the famous Carlos. Then, whenever talks start to stall, Carlos threatens to kill all the hostages. His intimidation pays off. That same evening, the Popular Front's manifesto is read on the radio for the first time. And the following morning, a bus arrives in front of OPEC headquarters ready to take them to their flight. But once the plane leaves Austria, the plan falls apart. Amid pressure from foreign governments, Carlos is forced to release all his hostages, including the Saudi and Iranian ministers. The second half of Carlos mission is a failure in the eyes of the Popular Front, but he and his team are able to walk free. And for Carlos, the failed journey has a silver lining, bringing him even more media attention and putting his name in headlines across the world. After falling short in this mission, Carlos will be expelled from the Popular Front. But eager to hold on to his infamy, he will form his own organization and continue to make his name as one of the world's most feared terrorists. History Daily is sponsored by indeed. We've all done it. Try to take in all the grocery bags in one trip, but what happens when you can't manage it? A bruised banana, Some squished bread. It's often at the worst moment when you find out you need an extra pair of hands. 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Lindsey Graham (13:06)

It's February 23, 1982, in Budapest, Hungary, six years after the Popular Front's brazen raid on the OPEC conference. Carlos the Jackal is a Bit older now, but his infamous temper and ego have not changed. As he sits down to write a letter, Carlos grips his pen tight, wondering how to put his rage into words. Over the past decade, Carlos has carefully cultivated his image, becoming known around the world as a violent, cold blooded killer. Soon after the OPEC kidnapping, he was forced out of the Popular Front. But wanting to remain in the spotlight, Carlos set out on his own building his own group called the Organization for Arab Armed Struggle, or oaas. With support from countries and revolutionary groups in the Middle east and Soviet Eastern Europe, Carlos and his organization's more than 70 members have continued to plot and execute attacks around the world. Governments the globe over are now afraid of getting on Carlos bad side. They know he will not hesitate to assassinate officials or blow up embassies when he feels like it. Carlos is relying on that reputation today as he writes a letter to the French. A week ago, Carlos wife Magdalena and another operative, Bruno Breguet, were arrested in Paris. Authorities found money, fake passports and explosives, then connected them to the oaas. Now Carlos is penning a letter to France's Interior Minister demanding their release. In his letter, Carlos lays out a firm. Magdalena and Bruno must be released within 30 days and given safe passage to a country of their choice. But Carlos makes it clear he has no grievance against France's government, ending his letter with a declaration of his hope to end this affair soon and in a happy way. Then Carlos signs his name and adds two thumbprints. He doesn't want to leave any doubts as to who is responsible for the message. The sooner French authorities can confirm that Carlos the Jackal is the letter writer, the sooner they'll understand the severity of the situation they've gotten themselves into. When Carlos letter arrives in France, the government begins a process of negotiations through Magdalena and Bruno's defense lawyer. France's government insists that the judiciary should try Magdalena and Bruno soon and then find a way to release them as quickly as possible. But as Magdalena and Bruno await trial, Carlos plans a series of strikes to communicate the gravity of his request. On March 15, a bomb explodes in the French cultural center in Beirut. On March 29, four days after Carlos 30 day deadline, a bomb aboard a French train kills five passengers and injures 30 more. Two weeks later, a member of the French secret service and his pregnant wife are gunned down in Beirut. As Carlos ratchets up the pressure, the French government tries to use backchannels to lessen Magdalena and Bruno's treatment. But even after two months of Carlos violence, Magdalena And Bruno still await trial. So Carlos continues his violence. On April 22, when Magdalena and Bruna arrive in court for their trial. Across town, yet another bomb detonates during the morning rush hour. 20 kg of explosives kill a pregnant woman and maim dozens of others. Unable to ignore this bloodshed and eager to maintain a semblance of the rule of law, that same day, Magdalena and Bruno are found guilty and sentenced to prison. When Carlos hears the news, he is undeterred. As usual, he will continue to make his enemies feel his anger until they have no choice but to give in. Over the next year, Carlos continues his his offensive on France. His Bombings culminate on December 31, 1983, with three separate explosions. Two aboard high speed trains and one at a train station. This time, Carlos will kill six people and injure dozens of others. But still Magdalena will remain in jail. She will stay there for over a year before she is released in May 1985. Meanwhile, Carlos actions will bring unwanted attention to his Eastern Bloc hosts. And soon he will be expelled from Hungary. For a while, he'll find refuge in Syria. But eventually he'll wear out his welcome there too. With few countries left willing to harbor one of the world's most wanted criminals, Carlos will head to what he hopes is one of the few havens left for him. But eventually his crimes will catch up to him.

Lindsey Graham (19:32)

It's August 14, 1994, on the outskirts of Khartoum, Sudan, more than 10 years after Carlos the Jackal waged a personal war on France. It's the middle of the night and as Khartoum's oppressive heat finally lifts, Carlos settles into a deep sleep inside his new house. After Carlos was kicked out of Hungary, he, his wife Magdalena and their newborn daughter made Syria their home. As a condition to stay there, Carlos was instructed to halt his terrorist operations, but he continued them anyway, unwilling to give up the power and reputation he spent years cultivating for himself. But tired of Carlos and life in exile, Magdalena moved to Venezuela with their daughter. Meanwhile, Carlos was forced to relocate once again after Syria learned he was planning a new campaign of violence with Iraq. Eventually, he settled in Sudan with his new wife, and now, here in Khartoum, he has finally accepted that he may have to give up his career of terrorism. After the trail of death he's created, he knows he's lucky just to be alive and a free man. But unfortunately for Carlos, his good fortune has run out. Around 3am While lying in bed, he's rudely awoken. Carlos feels the air knocked out of him and a heavy weight pinning his limbs down. He thrashes to break free, trying to reach his gun and put down these unknown assailants. But Carlos is overpowered. His arms are wrenched behind his back and he feels the cold metal of handcuffs clamp around his wrists. Carlos continues to squirm as his legs are shackled too, and a hood pulled over his head. Then, as one of the intruders administers a sedative, Carlos is forced to accept his fate. His assailants take him to a car and then through the streets of Khartoum before transporting him to a plane. Throughout it all, Carlos figures he's been taken by the Israeli secret Service and that his years of destruction on behalf of the Palestinians have caught up to him. But soon he learns he's actually the captive of the French in France. Carlos will be charged with multiple crimes, including including the 1975 murder of two police officers and his former accomplice. In 1997, Carlos will be found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for this and other crimes in France. He will remain behind bars even today, paying punishment for the heinous crimes against French citizens that caused the nation's authorities to hunt down Carlos the Jackal and end his career of terror on August 14, 1994. Next on History Daily August 15, 1939 Five months after wrapping a grueling production plagued by controversy and accidents, Grauman's Chinese Theater hosts the Hollywood premiere of the ambitious new film the wizard of Oz. From Noiser and Airship, this is History Daily hosted, edited and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham Audio editing by Mohamed Shahzeeb Sound design by Molly Bak Music by Lindsey Graham. This episode is written and researched by Reuben Abrams Brosby. Executive producers are Alexandra Curry Buckner for Airship and Pascal Hughes for Noiser.