On This Day

German counter-terrorist unit GSG 9 founded

GSG 9 der Bundespolizei (formerly Grenzschutzgruppe 9 (GSG 9, "Border Guard Group 9") of the Bundesgrenzschutz) is the elite police tactical unit of the German Federal Police responsible for...

GSG 9 der Bundespolizei (formerly Grenzschutzgruppe 9 (GSG 9, "Border Guard Group 9") of the Bundesgrenzschutz) is the elite police tactical unit of the German Federal Police responsible for counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and other high-risk operations. It was established in September 1972, only weeks after the failed police rescue attempt during the Munich Olympics hostage crisis, becoming one of the first modern dedicated counter‑terrorism units and a model for similar forces worldwide. GSG 9 gained international prominence after successfully ending the 1977 Lufthansa Flight 181 hijacking in Mogadishu. The unit is headquartered in Sankt Augustin, near Bonn, with an additional base in Berlin, and has been subordinate to Federal Police Directorate 11 since 2017.

Historical Significance

GSG 9 der Bundespolizei (formerly Grenzschutzgruppe 9 (GSG 9, "Border Guard Group 9") of the Bundesgrenzschutz) is the elite police tactical unit of the German Federal Police responsible for counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and other high-risk operations.

Events Before

  1. International Book Year begins

    International Book Year begins

  2. LA Lakers defeat the Atlanta Hawks 134-90 for their 33rd straight win, the longest winning streak in major professional

    LA Lakers defeat the Atlanta Hawks 134-90 for their 33rd straight win, the longest winning streak in major professional sports

  3. Bernice Gera wins an anti-discrimination case against the National Baseball Congress, filed on March 15, 1971, allowing

    Bernice Gera wins an anti-discrimination case against the National Baseball Congress, filed on March 15, 1971, allowing her to umpire

  4. Bloody Sunday: 27 unarmed civilians are shot (14 are killed) by the British Army during a civil rights march in Derry, N

    Bloody Sunday: 27 unarmed civilians are shot (14 are killed) by the British Army during a civil rights march in Derry, Northern Ireland; the highest death toll from a single shooting incident during 'The Troubles'

  5. Bob Douglas is the first African American elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame

    The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, honors players who have shown exceptional skill at basketball, all-time great coaches, referees, and other major…

Events After

  1. Ernie DiGregorio of Buffalo hands out 25 assists in the Braves' 120-119 win over Portland, establishing an NBA single-ga

    Ernie DiGregorio of Buffalo hands out 25 assists in the Braves' 120-119 win over Portland, establishing an NBA single-game record for assists by a rookie

  2. Lee MacPhail takes over as AL president, succeeding Joe Cronin

    Lee MacPhail takes over as AL president, succeeding Joe Cronin

  3. Science fiction TV series "The Six Million Dollar Man" premieres on ABC, starring Lee Majors

    The Six Million Dollar Man is an American science fiction and action television series, running from 1973 to 1978, about a former astronaut, USAF Colonel Steve Austin, portrayed by Lee Majors.

  4. Barbra Streisand's first #1 hit, "The Way We Were"

    The Way We Were is the fifteenth studio album recorded by American singer Barbra Streisand.

  5. Mel Brooks' western spoof film "Blazing Saddles," starring Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder, premieres at the Pickwick Dri

    Mel Brooks' western spoof film "Blazing Saddles," starring Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder, premieres at the Pickwick Drive-In in Burbank, California; patrons watch from horseback rather than cars

More from the 1970s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on April 17, 1973?
GSG 9 der Bundespolizei (formerly Grenzschutzgruppe 9 (GSG 9, "Border Guard Group 9") of the Bundesgrenzschutz) is the elite police tactical unit of the German Federal Police responsible for counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and other high-risk operations. It was established in September 1972, only weeks after the failed police rescue attempt during the Munich Olympics hostage crisis, becoming one of the first modern dedicated counter‑terrorism units and a model for similar forces worldwide. GSG 9 gained international prominence after successfully ending the 1977 Lufthansa Flight 181 hijacking in Mogadishu.
Why is German counter-terrorist unit GSG 9 founded significant?
GSG 9 der Bundespolizei (formerly Grenzschutzgruppe 9 (GSG 9, "Border Guard Group 9") of the Bundesgrenzschutz) is the elite police tactical unit of the German Federal Police responsible for counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and other high-risk operations.

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