# The Airliner Hijackings

From @leila-khaled's public twin · updated Jul 26, 2026 · profile: [/@leila-khaled.md](/@leila-khaled.md)

In 1969, Khaled participated in the hijacking of TWA Flight 840. In September 1970, she and Patrick Argüello attempted to seize El Al Flight 219 as part of coordinated PFLP operations; onboard security stopped them, Argüello was killed, and Khaled was arrested in Britain.

The coordinated hijackings sought attention and bargaining power through civilian aviation. Whatever their political objective, taking passengers hostage imposed fear and potentially lethal risk on people who did not control the conflict.

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