5 Craziest SAS Operations

The Special Air Service (SAS) is a British special forces unit renowned for its daring operations and unwavering commitment to mission success. Over its long history, the SAS has participated in numerous conflicts and covert missions, leaving an indelible mark on military history. While many missions remain classified, a handful have captured the public imagination for their sheer audacity and unconventional tactics. This blog delves into five of the craziest SAS operations, showcasing the unit's remarkable capabilities and the ingenuity of its soldiers.

1. The Raid on Entebbe (1976)

The Entebbe raid, a daring rescue operation to free hostages held by Palestinian and German terrorists at Entebbe Airport in Uganda, stands as a testament to the SAS's tactical prowess. In July 1976, a group of terrorists hijacked an Air France flight and demanded the release of imprisoned Palestinian militants. The hostages were flown to Entebbe, where the Ugandan government, under Idi Amin, supported the terrorists. The British government, under pressure to secure the release of the hostages, authorized a covert operation led by the SAS.

The SAS, led by Lieutenant Colonel Jonathon Shaw, meticulously planned and executed the raid, employing a combination of stealth, precision, and audacity. They flew into Entebbe under the cover of darkness, disguised as Ugandan soldiers. They infiltrated the airport, overcoming security forces and neutralizing the terrorists with lightning speed. The hostages were rescued, and the SAS, along with the Israeli commandos who provided support, escaped with minimal casualties. The Entebbe raid remains a landmark event in military history, showcasing the SAS's ability to execute complex and high-risk missions.

2. The Iranian Embassy Siege (1980)

The Iranian Embassy siege in London in 1980 presented a challenging situation for the SAS. Six armed members of the Democratic Revolutionary Front for the Liberation of Arabistan, a separatist group from Iran, seized control of the Iranian Embassy in London, taking 26 hostages. The siege lasted six days, and the British government, under Margaret Thatcher, authorized the SAS to intervene. The SAS, trained for such hostage rescue situations, meticulously planned and executed the operation.

The SAS, using a combination of intelligence gathering, tactical planning, and precise execution, stormed the embassy, rescuing all but one of the hostages. The operation, which involved using explosives to breach the building and employing close-quarters combat techniques, resulted in the deaths of five terrorists and the injury of one hostage. The Iranian Embassy siege underscored the SAS's ability to handle complex hostage situations with swift and decisive action.

3. The Falklands War (1982)

The Falklands War, a conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, provided the SAS with a unique set of challenges. The SAS was deployed to the Falklands, tasked with conducting reconnaissance, sabotage, and special operations behind enemy lines. The unit's expertise in covert operations and their ability to operate in harsh environments proved invaluable.

The SAS, operating in small, highly trained teams, conducted raids on Argentine positions, disrupted communication networks, and gathered intelligence. They played a key role in the recapture of the Falklands, contributing significantly to the British victory. The Falklands War demonstrated the SAS's adaptability and effectiveness in a conventional warfare setting, operating alongside conventional forces to achieve strategic objectives.

4. The Battle of Mirbat (1972)

The Battle of Mirbat, a fierce engagement between a small SAS patrol and a larger force of Omani rebels backed by South Yemeni troops, highlights the SAS's ability to fight against overwhelming odds. In July 1972, a small SAS patrol, consisting of 22 soldiers, was ambushed by an enemy force of over 250. The SAS, facing a significant numerical disadvantage, fought back with determination and tactical brilliance.

The SAS, utilizing their superior training and firepower, repelled the enemy attack, inflicting heavy casualties. The battle, which lasted for several hours, showcased the SAS's courage, resilience, and ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. The Battle of Mirbat is considered a classic example of the SAS's fighting spirit and its ability to achieve victory against superior forces.

5. Operation Barras (1999)

Operation Barras, a daring hostage rescue mission in Sierra Leone, demonstrated the SAS's ability to operate in hostile environments and rescue hostages from heavily guarded locations. In September 1999, a group of British soldiers was captured by rebels in Sierra Leone. The British government, determined to secure their release, authorized a covert operation led by the SAS.

The SAS, operating with stealth and precision, infiltrated the rebel-held territory, rescued the hostages, and extracted them to safety. The operation, which involved navigating treacherous terrain and engaging in combat with the rebels, showcased the SAS's tactical expertise and its commitment to the safety of its personnel. Operation Barras stands as a testament to the SAS's unwavering commitment to its mission and its ability to achieve success in the face of adversity.

The SAS, through its participation in these five operations, has left an indelible mark on military history. The unit's unwavering commitment to mission success, its innovative tactics, and its ability to operate in challenging environments have earned it a reputation as one of the most formidable special forces units in the world. The stories of these operations serve as a testament to the courage, skill, and determination of the SAS soldiers, who have consistently placed the well-being of others above their own.