Kozo Okamoto, Japanese Red Army militant behind 1972 Tel Aviv airport attack, dies at 78 in Beirut
On Thursday, Kozo Okamoto, a 78-year-old Japanese militant, passed away in Beirut. His death was confirmed by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which had provided him refuge, citing his long-term illness. Okamoto was involved in the May 30, 1972, assault on Tel Aviv's international airport, where a trio from the Japanese Red Army killed 26 individuals and injured many others. The attackers, arriving on a European flight, retrieved rifles and grenades from their luggage before opening fire. After serving 12 years in an Israeli prison for his actions, he moved to Lebanon and made infrequent public appearances, known as Ahmad al-Yabani within the PFLP. The organization lauded his unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Key facts
- Kozo Okamoto died on Thursday in Beirut at age 78.
- He was part of a three-man Japanese Red Army team that attacked Tel Aviv airport on May 30, 1972.
- The attack killed 26 people and wounded dozens.
- Okamoto served 12 years in an Israeli prison.
- After release, he settled in Lebanon and was protected by the PFLP.
- He was known within the PFLP as Ahmad al-Yabani.
- The PFLP announced his death, citing long illness.
- The attackers arrived from Europe and used rifles and grenades.
Entities
Artists
- Kozo Okamoto
Institutions
- Japanese Red Army
- Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
- Palestine Liberation Organization
Locations
- Beirut
- Lebanon
- Tel Aviv
- Israel
- Europe