A hostage situation occurs when an individual or group takes one or more people captive, often to achieve a specific goal, such as demanding ransom or political concessions. The captors may use threats or violence to control their hostages and may negotiate with authorities for their demands. Law enforcement agencies typically respond to hostage situations with specialized teams trained in crisis negotiation and tactical operations. The primary objective is to resolve the situation peacefully, ensuring the safety of the hostages while minimizing harm to all involved, including the captors.