Abu Abbas, then a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization's executive committee, masterminded the hijacking of the Achille Lauro while it was cruising in the Mediterranean.

During the hijacking, a disabled American Jewish passenger, Leon Klinghoffer, was killed by a single shot to his head. His body and his wheelchair were then dumped overboard.

Abu Abbas now enjoys the protection of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and is said to maintain a network of 300 terrorists who can be mobilized for attacks.