January 28, 1982 - General James L. Dozier Rescued from Red Brigades Captivity

[Pete]

​

On this day, January 28, 1982, U.S. Army General James L. Dozier was rescued by an elite Italian anti-terrorism unit after being held captive for 42 days by the Red Brigades. The Marxist–Leninist militant group, known for its far-left extremist ideology, had kidnapped General Dozier in Verona, Italy, on December 17, 1981, in an attempt to advance their political agenda through violence.

The successful rescue operation, conducted without any casualties, marked a significant victory against the Red Brigades, who had terrorized Italy throughout the 1970s and early 1980s with kidnappings and assassinations. General Dozier’s ordeal highlighted the international threat posed by terrorist organizations and the growing need for coordinated counterterrorism efforts.