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Witness History

How the CIA caught 'Carlos the Jackal'

Aug 15, 2024
Billy Waugh, a former CIA operative, shares gripping insights into the capture of Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, infamously known as 'Carlos the Jackal.' Waugh details the cunning tactics employed during the intense hunt, emphasizing the dangers faced while tracking a shadowy terrorist. Listeners learn about the strategic surveillance that led to a dramatic identification outside a hospital in Khartoum. The podcast also highlights the broader implications of Carlos's arrest and the intricate international efforts involved in bringing him to justice.
09:05

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Billy Waugh's innovative surveillance techniques played a crucial role in the capture of Carlos the Jackal in 1994.
  • Carlos the Jackal's arrest underscored the international cooperation needed to combat terrorism and bring criminals to justice.

Deep dives

The Pursuit of Carlos the Jackal

Carlos the Jackal, whose real name is Illich Ramirez Sanchez, was notorious for his involvement in international terrorism since the 1970s. After years of eluding authorities, he became a high priority target for intelligence agencies, particularly in the early 1990s when it was discovered he was hiding in Khartoum, Sudan. Finding Carlos proved challenging due to the lack of reliable information about his appearance and whereabouts. His ability to blend in and speak multiple languages made him difficult to track, and he maintained a low-profile lifestyle with the support of various local networks.

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