British Special Forces Placed Alert For algeria Rescue
17.01.2013
The Times newspaper has reported that British Special Forces have been placed on alert in response to the taking of hostages, several of whom are British, by militants in Agleria. Al-Qaeda-affiliated militants from neighboring Mali stormed a BP gas plant in the East of the country on Wednesday. At least one Briton is thought to have been killed during the attack.
The Times reports that the SAS has been placed on standby to intervene (1) following a meeting by COBRA, the cabinet's crisis committee which includes the participation of the Prime Minister. The options for a USKF rescue options seem limited, however, due to the remote location and the speed at which the situation is evolving. Indeed, it would seem that, at the time of writing this, Algerian forces have already begun a military operation at the plant.
David Cameron will be aware of the risks of authorising any rescue operation by British Special Forces. It was only last March when a UKSF rescue operation in Nigeria ended in failure and the death of 2 hostages.
more info / further reading:
- 1. SAS on standby for Algeria hostage rescue
(the times - pay walled)
