The SAS's New Rifle Can Blast Helicopters Out Of The Sky

The gun uses a magazine of five .50-calibre Raufoss Mk2 bullets, which it can fire in under three seconds  

Daily Mail: SAS armed with new rifle so powerful it can blast helicopters out of the sky and blow apart armour-plated vehicles with one shot 

* The devastating rifle Gepard GM6 Lynx has been likened to a howitzer cannon 

* Made in Hungary, semi-automatic rifle has a range of one-and-a-quarter miles 

* Although it is powerful, £9,000 rifle is easy to carry and ideal for parachuting 

Special Forces have been armed with a rifle so powerful it can blast helicopters out of the sky and blow apart armour-plated vehicles. 

The Gepard GM6 Lynx has been likened to a howitzer cannon for its devastating impact, even though it weighs just 23lb and is less than 4ft long. 

Made in Hungary, the semi-automatic rifle has a range of one-and-a-quarter miles, and features a barrel that retracts like an artillery gun back into the body of the rifle to absorb the enormous recoil.  

Read more .... 

Update: New British Special Forces Rifle Can Shoot Down Helicopter (The Defense Post)  

WNU Editor: For a weapon that weighs only 23lb, it has a devastating impact.

SAS Troops Have Their Names And Personal Details Exposed On A Running App

Image: Strava is supposed to record only workouts. Members of the site, which is used in 195 countries, then share their results with other users

Daily Mail: SAS troops have their names and personal details exposed... by Strava running app used by 50million people

* Elite troops are entitled to lifelong anonymity due to dangerous secret missions
* But their names and personal details were revealed on sports app Strava
* Nick Waters revealed security failure to horrified senior officers at Sandhurst

Special Air Service soldiers have been identified on a fitness app used by 50 million people in a shocking security lapse.

The elite troops are entitled to lifelong anonymity due to the dangerous secret missions they undertake. But their names and personal details were revealed on popular sports app Strava and may have been harvested by Russian military intelligence agents.

At a time when the Kremlin's GRU branch – Russia's version of MI6 – is conducting a global hacking campaign, a researcher from investigative website Bellingcat hoodwinked Strava into providing personal information on troops who run inside the SAS's top-secret base in Hereford.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Bottom line. Do not post your personal info on a widely used fitness app.

The SAS Is Advertising For Female Reservists For The First Time

The job advert says it welcomes both men and women to apply for the gruelling role

Daily Mail: The SAS recruits women for the first time but they'll have to pass the same tough tests as men

* Job demands applicants to 'commit to intense and extended training demands'
* SAS is seeking volunteers aged 18 to 42 for its 21 and 23 reserve squadrons
* Both sexes must be able to pass tough tests, including an eight-mile march

The SAS is advertising for female reservists for the first time.

An advert on the Army's job website says applicants must be prepared 'to commit to intense and extended training demands'.

The first course will begin in June. And online advertising for Special Forces reservists has been updated to state 'male and female' recruits are welcome.

The SAS is seeking volunteers for its 21 and 23 reserve squadrons, who must be aged between 17 years and nine months and 42 for those with no previous experience, or up to 50 years old if they have previously served in the Forces.

Read more ....

Update #1: SAS recruiting women for the first time and they will have to pass the same ‘intense’ tests as men (The SUN)
Update #2: SAS launch first ever recruitment drive for women (Express)

WNU Editor: All that I can say is "Good Luck"!

SAS Soldier Caught On Video Assisting Kenyan Security Forces During Yesterday's Terror Attack In Nairobi

The SUN: Tooled-up SAS hero led charge into Kenya hotel to kill terrorists and rush victims to safety as fanatics slaughtered 14

The 'long serving' member of the SAS - motto Who Dares Wins - was on a mission to train and mentor Kenyan Special Forces when four terrorists attacked a hotel complex

A CRACK SAS trooper piled into the Kenya terror siege – killing militants and saving lives, it was confirmed today.

The “long serving” member of the SAS – motto Who Dares Wins – was on a mission to train and mentor Kenyan Special Forces when four terrorists attacked a hotel complex.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: There is some speculation that this special forces soldier was an American SEAL .... Video of Nairobi terror attack may have revealed a US Navy SEAL on secretive mission (Business Insider). More here .... Hero US Navy SEALs stormed Kenyan hotel and exchanged fire with Islamist terrorists slaughtering guests and helped free survivors (Daily Mail). But the British tabloids are convinced that this soldier was an SAS officer. You can see this SAS soldier at the 31 second mark in the above video.

More News On A SAS Soldier Caught On Video Assisting Kenyan Security Forces During Yesterday's Terror Attack In Nairobi

SAS soldier hailed as a hero after charging into gunfire to take down terrorists in Nairobi hotel -- The Telegraph
SAS hero stormed Kenya hotel ALONE to KILL terrorists and save survivors -- Daily Star
Hero SAS soldier TACKLED terrorists in terrifying Kenya hotel attack - REVEALED -- Express

The British SAS Is Opening Its Elite Ranks To Women

Business Insider: The British SAS, one of the world's top special forces, is opening its elite ranks to women

* The British military has paved the way for women to join its Special Air Services, or SAS, according to a BBC report.
* The SAS is one of the world's most elite special forces branches.
* The British military has been phasing women into combat roles since 2016. Now, they can join the Royal Marines and infantry, which will allow them to apply for special forces units.

The British SAS, one of the world's most elite special operations communities, is now open to women, the Ministry of Defence announced Thursday.

Britain has slowly been phasing women into more combat-oriented roles since 2016, according to the BBC. Now, female soldiers can join the Royal Marines and the infantry, which opens the door for them to eventually apply for special forces.

In a twitter post, British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said he was "delighted" to announce what he called a "truly defining moment."

Read more ....

More News On The The British SAS Opening Its Elite Ranks To Women

Women Are Now Allowed to Join British Special Forces for the First Time, Defense Secretary Says -- Newsweek
Britain opens all military roles to women -- Reuters
UK says women can serve in combat roles in army, marines -- Ottawa Citizen/AP
SAS: Women allowed to join for first time -- BBC
UK military opens all combat roles to women -- DW

British MPs Warn That Cutting the Royal Marines 'Will Destroy The SAS'

Daily Mail: Cutting the Royal Marines 'will destroy the SAS', warn MPs amid 'plans to axe up to 2,000 Marines and two amphibious assault ships'

* Commons Defence Committee says it would be ‘militarily illiterate’ to go ahead
* Committee claims UK would be unable to carry out specialized operations
* MPs: Talk of cuts will hit Marines’ morale and suggest they're being ‘sacrificed’

Britain’s renowned Special Forces are under threat from controversial cuts to the Royal Marines, MPs warn today.

They fear that reducing the elite infantry corps will weaken the SAS and other Special Forces that recruit heavily from the Marines.

In a scathing verdict, the powerful Commons Defence Committee says it would be ‘militarily illiterate’ to axe up to 2,000 Marines and two amphibious assault ships.

Read more ....

WNU Editor:  One cannot help but feel that sometime in the future there are going to be people looking back and shaking their heads wondering why these decisions were made.

A New 'Star Wars' Helmet For SAS Soldiers?

The Devtac Ronin Kevlar Level IIIA Tactical Ballistic Helmet is extremely futuristic and is even bulletproof. Picture: Devtac

News.com.au: SAS soldiers trial Star Wars-style bulletproof helmets with heat-seeking technology

A NEW helmet made from super-strong plates capable of deflecting gunshots and protecting against shrapnel, blasts and fire is being tested in the war zone.

SAS SOLDIERS are trying out “Star Wars”-style bulletproof helmets in the war against terror.

The hi-tech gear — dubbed the “Boba Fett helmet” after the hit movie’s infamous bounty hunter — uses heat-seeking technology to hunt down enemies, reports The Sun.

It picks up signals from other people through “friend or foe” vision and is air conditioned to protect against heat and gases.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Hmmmm ... I'm not sure about this.

Elite SAS Troops Take To Facebook To Post Incredible Pictures Of Some Of Their Deadliest Missions

Crack SAS squad members deployed to social media where more than 2,000 incredible snaps have been posted

Daily Mail: Who Shares Wins! Investigaton after elite SAS troops take to Facebook to post incredible pictures of some of their deadliest missions

* Crack members of the world's deadliest special forces unit shared pictures from front line operations online
* They show elite SAS solders kitted out with state of the art combat equipment, vehicles and lethal weaponry
* Senior military bosses are annoyed because the pictures have been shared to a dedicated SAS Facebook page
* The world-class soldiers are sworn to secrecy, meaning they are not allowed to reveal any operational details
* But many of the pictures, believed to have been shot in Iraq, appear to show soldiers posing on the front line

The world's most elite fighting unit has irked senior colleagues by sharing astonishing pictures and stories of top-secret operations on Facebook.

Crack SAS squad members deployed to social media where more than 2,000 incredible snaps have been posted.

They show elite soldiers engaging in training missions and during their front-line operations - believed to have been taken in Iraq.

Others show state-of-the-art weaponry, vehicles and special equipment worn by British special operations soldiers.

Read more ....

Update: Military chiefs launch inquiry into photos of SAS operations posted on Facebook (The Telegraph)

WNU Editor: It looks like this Facebook page has been deleted.

SAS Soldier Admits That Illegal Killings Were ‘An Unwritten Rrule Of The Job’

Pictured: Afghan and Western Special Forces in Helmand Province Afghanistan fighting the Taliban. A former SAS soldier has admitted to The Mail on Sunday that illegal killings were 'an unwritten rule of our job' but strongly defended the regiment's actions

Daily Mail: The truth about SAS shoot-to-kill night raids, by the hero of 200 secret ops: Soldier breaks ranks to defend elite unit from witch-hunt but says illegal killings were ‘unwritten rule of our job’

* A former SAS soldier has admitted to The Mail on Sunday that illegal killings were 'an unwritten rule of our job' but strongly defended the regiment's actions
* His account comes after claims emerged that SAS members killed unarmed civilians in cold blood and falsified mission reports
* He revealed how he took part in 200 night raids between 2010 and 2013, many investigated as potential war crimes by the RMP

An SAS soldier has sensationally lifted the lid on the elite regiment’s controversial shoot-to-kill policy in Afghanistan – the subject of a multi-million pound investigation by military police.

In the first media interview with any SAS member to take part in operations included in the war crimes probe, the former trooper admitted to The Mail on Sunday that illegal killings were ‘an unwritten rule of our job’ but strongly defended the regiment’s actions.

His gripping account of top-secret night operations in Afghanistan comes after claims emerged that SAS members had killed unarmed civilians in cold blood and falsified mission reports.

Read more ....

Update: ‘An unwritten rule of our job’ SAS soldier ‘lifts lid on illegal killings’ in Afghanistan (Express).

WNU Editor: This news is becoming public because of the fallout from the .... SAS accused of killing unarmed Afghan civilians (BBC). More here .... SAS witch hunt fears as Iraq 'torture' lawyers pursue elite regiment over Afghanistan night raids (The Telegraph), and here .... SAS soldiers 'suspected' of executing unarmed Afghans and covering up potential war crimes (The Independent).

SAS Last Stand: Troops Were Surrounded By ISIS Militants And Chose To Fight To The Death

This pictures claims to show British SAS ground troops supporting the war on ISIS. It is claimed that SAS troops killed multiple militants yesterday near Mosul, Iraq

Daily Mail: SAS hero drowned ISIS fighter in a puddle after unit was encircled by jihadis with less than 10 bullets left

* Troops were ambushed and trapped in a river bed when ammunition ran out
* They chose to fight to the death and kill enemy forces in the process
* They used their wit, brute strength, and weapons as clubs to defeat ISIS
* A source counted 32 dead militants before the reminder retreated

An Special Air Service (SAS) soldier has drowned an ISIS fighter in a puddle during a tense battle to the death.

The troops were surrounded by approximately 50 ISIS militants yesterday close to Mosul in Northern Iraq as they had just withdrawn from an intelligence gathering mission, according to the Daily Star.

In the ambush, soldiers fatally shot several militants before their ammunition ran out and they were forced to use their guns as battering rams, knives, wit and brute strength to defeat the enemy.

One man even drowned an ISIS fighter in a puddle before picking up a stone which he smashed into another man's face.

Read more ....

Update: Soldiers ‘last stand’: SAS hero drowned ISIS fighter in puddle (Daily Star)

WNU Editor: I do not know if this story is true or not .... but when it comes to the SAS .... or US Special forces .... or Russian/French/Canadian/etc. Special forces .... there is a Golden Rule out there .... you do not mess around with these guys when they feel that they have nothing to lose.

Hat tip to James for this link.

SAS Sniper Made His 100th Kill In The Ongoing Battle For Mosul

YouTube

Daily Mail: SAS sniper made his 100th kill as he shot dead an Islamic State chief at a base once used by Saddam Hussein in the ongoing battle for Mosul

* SAS sniper has killed his 100th terrorist in the ongoing battle for Mosul
* The troops were working with Iraqi special forces to attack the target
* Took him out with a single bullet according to sources in the city

An SAS sniper's 100th hit killed the Islamic State chief during the battle for Mosul, it has been revealed.

The sniper, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, took out the 'highly valued target' as Iraqi special forces and teams of SAS troops probed the outskirts of the city.

According to Patrick Williams for the Daily Star Sunday, the terrorist was killed with a single bullet through his body armour.

Read more ....

Update: Hero SAS sniper racks up his 100th ISIS KILL after UK DRONE-BOMBS compound (Daily Star).

How Winston Churchill Saved The SAS From The 'Bureaucrats'

THE SPECIAL AIR SERVICE (SAS) IN NORTH AFRICA DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR : A close-up of a heavily armed patrol of 'L' Detachment SAS in their Jeeps, just back from a three month patrol. The crews of the jeeps are all wearing 'Arab-style' headdress, as copied from the Long Range Desert Group. Wikipedia

Daily Mail: How Winston Churchill saved the SAS from its deadliest ever enemy: The bureaucrats who wanted to close the elite fighting unit

* The Special Air Service was saved by the wartime leader from Whitehall
* Interfering civil servants didn't approve of the SAS's covert methods
* The force was criticised after its first mission was an unmitigated disaster

Without Winston Churchill the SAS would likely to have never existed beyond its first mission.

The Special Air Service, the most secretive and admired fighting unit within the British Armed Forces, was saved by the wartime leader from interfering civil servants who didn't approve of its covert methods.

Back in November 1941, the SAS launched its first mission in the Libyan desert after being dreamed up by young Army officer David Stirling.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: It is interesting that this stuff is only coming out now 70 years after the war.

SAS Sniper Kills Suicide Bomber With One Shot 800m Away

Forces TV

Express: Hero SAS sniper saves hundreds of lives by killing ISIS suicide bomber with just one shot

A SUICIDE bomber was foiled by an SAS sniper with a single shot, saving hundreds of people's lives.

The expert shooter took out the bomber moments after he put on a suicide vest packed with hundreds of steel ball-bearings ready for a deadly attack.

In one precise shot from 800m away, the sniper fired through a window to put a bullet through the terrorist's vest causing an explosion.

The bomber, his accomplice and two bomb makers were killed in the blast which sprayed the inside of a bomb making factory in Iraq with shrapnel.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Apparently this shot was done in a Baghdad suburb that was considered too dangerous for Iraqi forces to raid. This news in itself is revealing .... if Iraqi forces cannot enter a Baghdad suburb because it is too dangerous for them .... that means it is not under their control and it will always be a hotbed for radical Jihadists.

New SAS Unit On 24 Hour Standby In Wake Of Brussels Attacks

Rotary Action

Express: REVEALED: New SAS squad to fly in and protect ANY town in UK if ISIS terrorists attack

TERROR attacks across Britain will be met by the wrath of a new airborne SAS reaction force on standby 24/7.

Helicopters will fly members of the elite Special Forces regiment to scenes of attacks at a moment’s notice.

If terrorists are at large, the heavily-armed soldiers will be sent in to trap and eliminate them on the direct order of Home Secretary Theresa May.

News of the unit, which has been secretly rehearsing a variety of terror scenarios for months, emerges after last week’s atrocities in Brussels.

Read more ....

Update #1: New SAS chopper force set to swoop on terror attack on UK soil at moment's notice (Daily Star)
Update #2: Britain on terror alert: 2,000 extra armed police on streets and new SAS unit on 24 hour standby in wake of Brussels attacks (Daily Mail)

WNU Editor: A sign of the times.

King Of Jordan's U.S. Briefing: SAS Has Been Fighting Against ISIS In Libya Since Start Of Year

King Abdullah of Jordan meets with US President Barack Obama in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington February 24, 2016. © Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

The Telegraph: Leaked report: SAS on ground in Libya for months

King Abdullah of Jordan confirmed in January that the elite unit has been deployed, according to reports.

SAS forces have been on the ground in Libya for months, leaked documents indicated as a former army chief said the military is now readying itself to intervene.

A confidential briefing given to US congressional leaders by the king of Jordan is said to confirm the special unit has been deployed since the beginning of the year.

According to notes of the meeting in the week of 11 January, King Abdullah reportedly said his country’s own special forces “will be imbedded [sic] with British SAS” in Libya.

The Ministry of Defence refused to comment on reports, but Colonel Richard Kemp, the former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, said SAS involvement is significant.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Apparently SAS and Jordanian forces are also cooperating in Somalia .... REVEALED: UK and Jordanian special forces target al-Shabab in Somalia (Middle East Eye).

More News On The King Of Jordan Leaked Memo That Confirms The Presence Of SAS Forces In Libya

SAS deployed in Libya since start of year, says leaked memo -- The Guardian
SAS has been fighting against ISIS in Libya since start of year says King of Jordan 'as World War Three' begins -- Daily Mail
UK special forces' operations in Libya confirmed by leaked briefing -- The Independent
British SAS troops already operating in Libya, claims King Abdullah of Jordan -- The SUN
Leaked Memo Reveals UK Special Air Service Deployed in Libya Since January -- Sputnik
Op-Ed: British and Jordanian special forces operating together in Libya -- Digital Journal

SAS Sniper Kills ISIS Executioner From 4,000 Feet Away

SAS snipers are targeting IS personnel in Iraq. (British Army sniper pictured). Sniper rifles available to British Special Forces include the L115a3 (.338 Lapua Magnum), the L82A1 (.50 BMG) and the L121A1 (.50 BMG). Image by Sgt Anthony Boocock, RLC © UK MOD / Crown Copyright 2008 used under open government licence

Daily Mail: ISIS executioner 'is beheaded by SAS sniper's special bullet as he demonstrated how to decapitate prisoners'

* A SAS sniper has shot an ISIS commander from 4,000ft away, it is claimed
* The ISIS commander was teaching 20 other jihadis how to decapitate
* But a witness said the ISIS boss's own head 'exploded' when he was hit

A SAS sniper has beheaded an ISIS executioner with a single shot while the militant was teaching jihadis how to decapitate prisoners, it has been reported.

Some 20 Islamic fighters were taking part in the executioner's outdoor lesson when he was killed by the elite British soldier - hiding 4,000ft away and using specially-designed 'wounding' bullets.

A witness said the entire group of student jihadis then fled, deserting their cause after the ill fated training session at a small village in northern Syria.

Read more ....

Update: Poetic justice: SAS sniper blows head off ISIS chief who taught jihadis how to DECAPITATE (Express).

WNU Editor: From 4,000ft away .... wow.

The SAS's New Military Drone Resembles A Klingon 'Bird of Prey'

The SUN: Blow me up, Scotty! New drone’s like a Klingon spaceship from Star Trek

Military drone resembles Bird of Prey from sci-fi show.

THIS military drone looking like something out of Star Trek is set to help SAS troops track terror targets worldwide for months at a time.

The sophisticated and lightweight solar-powered Zephyr 8, resembling a Klingon Bird of Prey spaceship, flies at 70,000ft, above commercial jet routes and the weather.

Update #1: Drone that looks like a Star Trek spaceship! Zephyr 8 has an 82ft wingspan and is set to help SAS troops track terror targets around the world for months on end (Daily Mail)
Update #2: Zephyr 8 To Provide British Forces With Improved Surveillance (Defense news)

WNU Editor: The resemblance to a Klingon "Bird of Prey" is so-so .... but it makes a great headline. :)

SAS Sniper In Iraq Kills Five ISIS Jihadis With Just Three Bullets

SAS snipers are targeting IS personnel in Iraq. (British Army sniper pictured). Sniper rifles available to British Special Forces include the L115a3 (.338 Lapua Magnum), the L82A1 (.50 BMG) and the L121A1 (.50 BMG). Image by Sgt Anthony Boocock, RLC © UK MOD / Crown Copyright 2008 used under open government licence

Daily Mail: SAS sniper in Iraq kills five ISIS jihadis with just three bullets after one causes suicide vest to blow up as they left bomb making factory

* SAS veteran took out group of jihadis with three well-aimed shots in Iraq
* Three terrorists and two guards killed as they left bomb factory near Mosul
* SAS sniper unleashed fire after men wore heavy coats to cover suicide vest
* Jihadists were on their way to launch deadly suicide bomb attack on town

An SAS sniper was able to stop a group of jihadis launching a sickening suicide bomb attack by killing the terrorists with just three bullets in a dramatic shoot-out in an ISIS-held part of Iraq.

The marksman, who joined the SAS a decade ago, potentially saved the lives of hundreds of innocent people by firing three well-aimed shots at the jihadists as they left a bomb factory near Mosul.

Update: Hero SAS sniper foils suicide bomb attack by killing five jihadis with just THREE bullets -- Express

WNU Editor: More confirmation that Britain has boots on the ground and that they are on the front-lines.

Britain's Special Forces Are Under Orders Not To Be Taken Alive

Express: SAS told to 'save last bullet for yourselves' in case of Islamic State capture

BRITAIN'S special forces fighting in Syria and Iraq are under orders not to be captured alive by the brutal Islamic State, it has emerged.

SAS soldiers are believed to have been told to "save the last bullet for yourselves" if they fear they are in danger of being taken hostage by the terror group.

The UK's elite force were flown into the Middle East last summer, as so-called Islamic State extremists began to take control of large swathes of Iraq, adding to their territory in Syria.

WNU Editor: I think everyone knows that the Islamic State does not respect the rules of war for its prisoners.

SAS Hit Squad Sent To Iraq To Hunt Down Islamic State Leaders

The squadron, from Hereford, had been due to travel to Afghanistan to hunt Taliban leaders before they were ordered to turn their attentions on Isis (file picture)

SAS Hit Squad Sent To Iraq To Hunt Down ISIS Jihadists After Militants 'Started Learning How To Avoid Air Strikes' -- Daily Mail

* Squadron diverted from Afghanistan mission in a bid to target Isis leaders
* Executioner Jihadi John believed to be a primary target for 60-strong team
* Troopers will also pinpoint targets within Iraq to assist with air strikes
* Comes amid reports Isis fanatics executed 100 of its own foreign fighters
* Militants recruited from abroad killed for trying to flee from Isis stronghold

Up to 60 SAS fighters are heading to Iraq to hunt down Islamic State leaders after militants started learning how to avoid airstrikes, it has been reported.

The full squadron of troopers had initially been dispatched to Afghanistan for a separate operation, but have been diverted to battle Isis fanatics.

There have been reports this morning that one of their primary targets will be Jihadi John, the Briton believed to have killed British and American hostages in a series of gruesome executions.

Read more ....

Update: SAS sent to Iraq to hunt down Jihadi John and Isis fighters -- IBTimes

My Comment: As military missions go .... this is as dangerous as it can get.