US Journalist Terry Anderson, Held Hostage in Lebanon’s Civil War, Dies at 76

Terry Anderson, a prominent American journalist who endured nearly seven years of captivity during Lebanon’s civil war, passed away at the age of 76. Anderson, known for his role as the chief Middle East correspondent for the Associated Press (AP), was captured by Islamist militants in 1985 amid the Lebanon hostage crisis.

His daughter, Sulome Anderson, announced his death, revealing that he peacefully passed away at his home in Greenwood Lake, New York, due to complications from heart surgery. Despite the harrowing ordeal he endured, Anderson found solace in his later years, focusing on humanitarian efforts and advocating for various causes.

Sulome Anderson emphasized her father’s humility, stating that although he was often hailed as a hero, he preferred not to be labeled as such. Instead, she highlighted his dedication to humanitarian work, including his involvement with the Vietnam Children’s Fund, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and supporting homeless veterans.

Louis Boccardi, who led AP during Anderson’s captivity, echoed the sentiment of Anderson’s heroism, emphasizing his resilience and courage throughout the ordeal. Anderson, a former Marine who had served in Vietnam, was abducted in Beirut in 1985 while on assignment.

During his captivity, Anderson endured unimaginable hardships, including being held in solitary confinement, subjected to physical abuse, and enduring threats to his life. He maintained communication with fellow captive Terry Waite, providing him with news from the outside world through a covert system of tapping on the walls.

Released in 1991 following 2,454 days in captivity, Anderson returned to a world vastly different from the one he left behind. He met his daughter, who was born shortly after his abduction, for the first time when she was six years old.

Following his release, Anderson transitioned to teaching journalism at various institutions before retiring in 2015. However, he continued to grapple with the lasting effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and faced financial challenges due to poor investments, including losses from frozen Iranian assets awarded to him following his release.

Anderson’s memoir, “Den of Lions,” became a bestseller, offering a poignant account of his time in captivity and his journey to reclaim his life after liberation.

Terry Anderson’s legacy extends beyond his career as a journalist; he will be remembered for his resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to advocating for others in the face of adversity.