SAS Deployed At London Bridge
04.06.2017
British Special Forces have been mobilised in the wake of another terrorist attack in London.[1]
Photos show a Dauphin helicopter landing on London Bridge following a vehicle and knife attack there by terrorists on Saturday night. These photos indicate the presence of a 22nd Special Air Service (22 SAS) counter terrorism (CT) team, supported by 658 Squadron of the Army Air Corps (AAC).
Reports in March of 2016 highlighted the SAS/658 Sqn CT role, who have been dubbed 'Blue Thunder' due to the blue paint schemes associated with 658 Sqn helicopters. The unit is on standby to deliver a military CT response to anywhere in the country. 658 Sqn has a fleet of AS365 N3 Dauphin helicopters that provide dedicated support to 22 SAS. The 'Blue Thunder' squad may be supported by an Apache gunship which acts as an airborne surveillance platform.
It would seem that a number of the London Bridge terrorists wore bomb vests during the attack - thought now to be fake devices designed to deter the public from intervening. SAS and Special Boat Service (SBS) CT teams can call on the support of military Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) specialists who are trained to disarm bomb vests and other explosive devices.
More info / further reading:
- 1. Elite SAS 'Blue Thunder' unit lands helicopter on London Bridge...
(The Daily Mail)
