The study conducted raises the problem of how GSG 9 were able to have such a successful rescue operation abroad when they never conducted a similar operation before. The case in the study is Operation Feuerzauber which was when GSG 9 freed 91 hostages from the hijacked airplane Lufthansa 181 in Mogadishu in 1977.
The study is aimed to answer the research question: How can the outcome in Operation Feuerzauber be understood using McRavens Theory of Special Operations? This is interesting since terrorist attacks occur all over the world and a constant readiness needs to be maintained. This specific case was a great success which can show what is needed for special operations in the future.
The analysis is bases upon several books written about the specific case and information is gathered from these sources to answer the research question. The study’s analytic results reveal that GSG 9’s operation fulfilled the different principles of the theory in their operation. This brings an understanding how they were able to reach a successful outcome. It is possible for other nations special operation forces to learn from the way GSG 9 operated in this case of hostage rescue. The study focuses on providing a better understanding of the operation. Furthermore, the study provides an in-depth analysis of how the operation was planned, prepared and executed.