Victor Two: Inside Iraq, The Crucial SAS Mission

In the heart of the Iraqi desert, a small team of British Special Air Service (SAS) operators embarked on a daring mission that would forever change the course of the Iraq War. Known as Victor Two, this elite unit was tasked with capturing a high-value target: Saddam Hussein's second-in-command, General Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri.

Planning the Mission

The mission was meticulously planned by a select group of British intelligence officers and SAS commanders. Their objective was to infiltrate al-Douri's sprawling compound near the town of Tikrit, neutralise its defences, and extract the target without causing civilian casualties.

Victor Two: Inside Iraq: the Crucial SAS Mission

by Peter Crossland

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1870 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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The SAS team, led by Captain Mark "Billy" Barlow, consisted of 12 highly trained operators. They were equipped with the latest weapons and communication systems, and underwent rigorous training in desert warfare and urban combat.

Infiltration

On the night of 19 March 2003, Victor Two infiltrated Iraq via a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. They landed in a remote desert location and made their way on foot towards Tikrit.

As they approached the target compound, they encountered a group of Iraqi soldiers. A fierce firefight ensued, but the SAS prevailed, eliminating the enemy and securing their escape route.

Assault on the Compound

Under the cover of darkness, Victor Two breached the perimeter of al-Douri's compound. They used explosives to neutralise the security measures and stealthily infiltrated the buildings.

Inside, they encountered fierce resistance from Iraqi guards. Close-quarters combat raged through the corridors and rooms, with the SAS operators using their superior training and tactics to outmanoeuvre and eliminate their opponents.

Capturing the Target

As the battle raged, Victor Two located their target: General Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri. In a dramatic confrontation, they overpowered the general and took him into custody.

The capture of al-Douri was a major blow to the Iraqi regime. It deprived Saddam Hussein of one of his most trusted and effective commanders and sent a clear message that the western coalition was determined to dismantle his regime.

Exfiltration

With their mission accomplished, Victor Two exfiltrated from the compound using the same route they had used to infiltrate. They made their way back to their extraction point and were successfully evacuated by helicopter.

Aftermath

The successful completion of the Victor Two mission had far-reaching consequences. The capture of General al-Douri weakened the Iraqi regime and contributed to the eventual overthrow of Saddam Hussein.

The mission also showcased the extraordinary capabilities of the British SAS, which became one of the most respected and feared special forces units in the world.

Legacy

The story of Victor Two continues to be told today, inspiring countless soldiers and special forces operators around the globe. It is a testament to the bravery, skill, and determination of the men and women who serve in these elite units.

Image Descriptions

Victor Two: Inside Iraq: the Crucial SAS Mission

by Peter Crossland

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1870 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE