Full Description
Narrates key events in recent history of special forces operations around the globe, from the Gulf War through Iraq.
Contents
1. IntroductionA brief history of special forces from World War II, leading up to the invasion of Kuwait in 1990 by Iraqi forces. 2. The First Gulf War The coalition's special forces wreak havoc behind Iraqi lines, and eliminate the scud threat to Israel. 3. SomaliaUS forces become involved in Somalia, trying to trace Mohammed Aideed. The rescue of US rangers depicted in Black Hawk Down is led by US special forces. 4. The BalkansAfter the end of the civil wars in the former Yugoslavia, NATO's special forces are responsible for tracking down war criminals and bringing them to trial. 5. South AmericaThe war against the drug barons of South America continues, and special forces are involved in tracing the movement of shipments of drugs and gathering evidence. 6. Sierra LeoneWith the country on the brink of civil war, American and British special forces are used to preserve peace and safeguard what remains of an elected government. The rescue of British soldiers held hostage makes the headlines worldwide. 7. AfghanistanAfter 9/11, the US led invasion of Afghanistan sees special forces used to provide guidance and training to the anti-Taliban warlords. Resistance quickly collapses as a result, and the 'victory' is relatively bloodless. 8. IraqThe invasion of Iraq in 2003 sees American, British and Australian special forces to the fore again, operating deep behind the front lines and hunting down the key members of the Iraqi government. 9. Counter-terrorism Particularly since 9/11, the fight against terrorism has become of paramount importance to many of the developed world's governments. Most special forces units have increased in size - some dramatically so - as warfare becomes increasingly specialized. Chronology Index
