On the other hand, another operative claimed that they were tasked to destroy Iraqi Scud missile launchers to pave the way for the main coalition army.Įither way, before they can finish their objectives, the team’s location was compromised resulting in a firefight with Iraqi forces. Until today, conflicting testimonies about what really happened continue to shroud the details about the mission.Īccording to one of the operatives from the mission, they were tasked to gather intelligence as well as set up an observation post before the coalition’s ground offensive began. This is exactly what happened to a SAS patrol with the call sign Bravo-Two-Zero during the early stages of the Gulf War. However, even the best trained soldiers can fall victim to the uncertainty of the battlefield. The British Special Air Service is considered to be the most elite fighting force in the world. #9- Bravo-Two-Zero Special forces operations Adding insult to injury, the other hostage was also in the process of being released prior to the failed rescue mission.
The other hostage died during the flight back while Somers died shortly after arriving to their destination, an offshore aircraft carrier.Īfter the operation, the military was criticized for failing to rescue Somers despite successfully rescuing most of the hostages. Medics tried desperately to save both men but their efforts proved unsuccessful. Unfortunately, the second attempt failed with Somers and another hostage being badly wounded.
Another operation was then planned in order to free him and the others. However, Somers and four other hostages were moved by the group prior to the rescue.
The SEALs successfully rescued eight hostages and even killed seven terrorists. The British-born Somers was living in Yemen when he was kidnapped in 2013. The Middle Eastern country has been a base of operations for the US military but has since become a hotbed of terrorist activities.Īmong the hostages in Yemen was an American journalist named Luke Somers. In 2014, US Navy SEALs attempted a rescue mission to free hostages held in Yemen by Al Qaeda. Here are 10 examples of special forces operations that didn’t go as planned.
However despite their training, situations arise that are beyond their control which can sometimes jeopardize the mission. From the deserts of the Middle East to urban centers around the world, special forces units have demonstrated that they are the best of the best. They are elite soldiers, capable of carrying out the toughest and most dangerous tasks with speed and precision.