Operation Canadian Caper was a covert rescue mission during the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979-1980, in which six American diplomats were safely exfiltrated from Iran. Here are the key details about this operation:
Background
- Iran Hostage Crisis: On November 4, 1979, militants took over the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. Amid the chaos, six American diplomats managed to evade capture and found refuge in the homes of Canadian diplomats in Tehran.
- Need for Rescue: The situation in Iran was highly volatile, with intense anti-American sentiment. The six diplomats needed to be safely extracted before their presence was discovered, which would have likely led to their capture and severe consequences.
Planning the Operation
- Canadian Involvement: The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Joe Clark, played a critical role in planning and executing the rescue mission. The Canadian Ambassador to Iran, Ken Taylor, and other embassy staff provided the Americans with shelter and forged Canadian passports.
- CIA Collaboration: The CIA, with Tony Mendez as the primary agent, collaborated with the Canadian government to devise a plan for the safe exfiltration of the Americans. Mendez, a specialist in disguises and exfiltration, was instrumental in developing the cover story.
The Cover Story
- Fake Film Production: Mendez proposed creating a fake Hollywood film production as the cover for the operation. The plan involved presenting the six Americans as a Canadian film crew scouting locations for a science fiction movie titled “Argo.”
- Authenticity: To make the cover story credible, the CIA set up a fake production company, Studio Six Productions, in Hollywood. They created promotional materials, placed ads in trade magazines, and even had a functioning office.
Execution of the Operation
- Preparation: The six Americans were provided with fake Canadian passports, identities, and a backstory consistent with the film production cover. They were coached on their new roles and practiced their stories extensively.
- Departure: On January 27, 1980, Mendez arrived in Tehran with the necessary documents. On January 28, posing as a Canadian film crew, the group successfully passed through airport security and boarded a Swissair flight to Zurich.
Aftermath
- Safe Return: The operation was a complete success. The six Americans safely arrived in Zurich and subsequently returned to the United States.
- Recognition and Secrecy: Initially, the operation was kept secret to protect those involved and to prevent potential diplomatic fallout. In 1981, after the hostages held in the U.S. Embassy were released, the Canadian and American governments publicly acknowledged the operation.
- Cultural Impact: The story of the Canadian Caper became widely known and celebrated as a triumph of international cooperation and ingenuity. In 2012, the film “Argo,” directed by and starring Ben Affleck, dramatized the operation, bringing the story to a broader audience.
Legacy
- Diplomatic Relations: The operation significantly strengthened U.S.-Canadian relations, highlighting the importance of diplomatic alliances and mutual support in times of crisis.
- Heroism and Ingenuity: The Canadian Caper remains a testament to the courage and creativity of the individuals involved, particularly the Canadian diplomats who risked their lives and the CIA operatives who masterminded the daring rescue.
Resource: CIA – Rescue of the “Canadian Six” – A Classic Case of Deception