SAS Operator SMOKED These Nairobi Insurgents...
A Heroic Rescue: The SAS Operator in Nairobi
Overview of the Incident
- On January 15, 2019, a British SAS operator found himself in a two-day siege at the luxury Dusit D2 complex in Nairobi, Kenya. He initiated an off-duty rescue mission amidst chaos as gunmen attacked civilians.
- The operator's actions resulted in saving hundreds of lives during a 19-hour standoff with terrorists.
Context of Terrorism in Kenya
- In 2019 alone, there were over six terrorist attacks in Kenya, highlighting a long history of terrorism dating back to events like the 1975 Nairobi bombing and the Westgate Mall incident in 2013.
- Factors contributing to terrorism include poverty, weak borders, corrupt police forces, and rising extremist groups making Kenya vulnerable to global terror threats.
Kenyan Defense Forces' Role
- The Kenyan army has struggled to contain terrorism from Somalia despite efforts by well-trained special operations forces such as the Kenyan Special Operations Regiment and others trained by U.S. and British military commands.
- These forces are crucial for counter-terrorism efforts but have faced significant challenges due to ongoing threats.
Profile of Christian Craighead
- Christian Craighead was part of the SAS team sent for counter-terrorism operations; he joined the British Army at age 16 and served as a paratrooper before joining the elite SAS after completing their rigorous selection program.
- His background includes leading reconnaissance missions during the Iraq invasion in 2003 and being part of one of Britain's most secretive military units known for its operational secrecy.
The Attack on Dusit D2 Complex
- On January 19th around 3 PM, five armed insurgents executed a coordinated attack at the Dusit D2 hotel complex using AK-47 rifles and grenades after detonating an explosive device outside. This marked phase one of their assault on civilians dining inside.
- Following initial explosions that created panic, attackers split into groups to maximize chaos within the complex while civilians attempted to escape or call for help amid gunfire and confusion.
Craighead's Response
- Upon receiving a distress call from someone inside the complex amidst gunfire, Craighead quickly mobilized without orders—equipped with tactical gear—and arrived on scene ready to assist victims despite limited intel about ongoing events.
Kenyan Attack Response: A Heroic Rescue
Initial Reinforcements and Actions
- Kenyan police and military forces quickly established a perimeter around the complex to secure the area.
- Craig, embedded with soldiers, took initiative by engaging directly with terrorists, killing two during his efforts to rescue trapped civilians.
Ongoing Threat and Search Operations
- Despite initial reports of neutralization, gunfire resumed early on January 16th as authorities searched for remaining attackers.
- Kenyan police located and apprehended two wounded gunmen in a hotel room, officially securing the Riverside complex by 11:48 PM.
Casualties and Claims of Responsibility
- The attack resulted in the deaths of 20 Kenyans, an American, and a British South African; Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility citing retaliation against U.S. embassy relocation.
Recognition of Heroism