Daily Time Capsule

January 27, 1980 - The Canadian Caper Rescued Six American Diplomats

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Pete

Pete

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On this day, January 27, 1980, six American diplomats escaped from Iran during the height of the Iran hostage crisis. This daring operation, later known as the "Canadian Caper," was made possible through the efforts of Canadian operatives and a clever disguise involving a fake film production.

After the U.S. Embassy in Tehran was stormed in November 1979, these six diplomats evaded capture and sought refuge at the residences of Canadian officials. To facilitate their escape, the CIA and Canadian intelligence devised a plan to create a fake film project, complete with bogus production credentials. Disguised as members of a Hollywood film crew scouting locations for a sci-fi movie called Argo, the Americans successfully boarded a flight out of Tehran using Canadian passports.

Fun Fact: The story of the Canadian Caper was adapted into the 2012 film Argo, directed by Ben Affleck, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Trivia Question: What country did the six American diplomats fly to after escaping Iran during the Canadian Caper?
 
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