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:

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

2. 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]

3. 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]

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

5. 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.