UKSF to Train Algerian Special Forces?

31.01.2013

British special forces may be tasked with training Algerian special forces as part of a security deal agreed between the British & Algerian governments. ⁽¹⁾ An offer to allow United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF) counter terrorism experts from the Special Air Service (SAS) and/or the Special Boat Service (SBS) to train and advise Algerian forces is said to be part of the discussion, which also includes intelligence sharing and creating links between security agencies.

The offer of British special forces assistance comes in the wake of the recent attack my militants at the Amenas gas plant in the Algerian desert. 38 hostages were killed during the attack, with many dieing when Algerian commandos stormed the complex. During the crisis, a UKSF counter terrorism team were reportedly moved from the UK to Cyprus, ready to intervene in the hostage crisis, but were, in the end, not sent into action. ⁽²⁾ It has since emerged that UKSF elements have joined a multinational task force that is hunting down the terrorist organization behind the attacks.⁽³⁾

more info / further reading:

• 1. U.K. May Train Algerian Army in Counter-Terrorism
  (bloomberg)
  
  
• 2. The SAS: a very special force
  (the telegraph)
  
  
• 3. UKSF To Hunt Down Jihadists
  (Elite UK Forces report)
  
  

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