Origins & Early Life

Ilich Ramírez Sánchez (Spanish: [iˈlitʃ raˈmiɾes ˈsantʃes]; born 12 October 1949), also known as Carlos the Jackal (Spanish: Carlos el Chacal) or simply Carlos, is a Venezuelan convict who conducted a series of assassinations and terrorist bombings from 1973 to 1985. A committed Marxist–Leninist, he was one of the most notorious political terrorists of his era, protected and supported by the Stasi and the KGB. After several bungled bombings, Carlos led the 1975 raid on the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) headquarters in Vienna, during which three people were killed. He and five others demanded a plane and flew with a number of hostages to Libya.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

After his wife Magdalena Kopp was arrested and imprisoned, Carlos detonated a series of bombs, killing 11 people and injuring more than 100, demanding the French release his wife. For many years he was among the most-wanted international fugitives. He was ultimately captured by extrajudicial means in Sudan and transferred to France, where he was convicted of multiple crimes, and is currently serving three life sentences. In his first trial, he was convicted of the 1975 murder of an informant for the French government...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Ahmed Zaki (actor) — Contemporary (Born in 1949) (1949): Iconic Egyptian actor celebrated for intense dramatic performances.
• Alan Menken — Contemporary (Born in 1949) (1949): Award-winning American composer celebrated for Disney film scores and Broadway musicals.
• Alice Bailey — Contemporary (Died in 1949) (1949): American esoteric writer known for neo-theosophical works and pioneering New Age concepts.
• Aleister Crowley — Shared historical date (10-12 · Born) (1875): Founder of Thelema, a major occultist, poet, and ceremonial magician.
• Anatole France — Shared historical date (10-12 · Died) (1924): Master French writer, poet, and journalist celebrated for irony and style.
• Amadeo Giannini — Historical peer (Died in 1949) (1949): Pioneering American banker who founded the Bank of Italy and influenced modern finance.
• Andy Kaufman — Historical peer (Born in 1949) (1949): Pioneering performance artist known for anti-comedy and character work.
• Adrien Brody — Historical peer (Born in 1973) (1973): Acclaimed American actor known for intense, emotionally charged character portrayals.
• Akon — Historical peer (Born in 1973) (1973): Senegalese-American singer, songwriter, and influential figure in world music.
• Alexander Ovechkin — Historical peer (Born in 1985) (1985): Iconic Russian left winger and captain for the Washington Capitals.
• 1949 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1949
• October 12 (10-12) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 12