BRIT special forces from the elite SBS unit have been deployed to the Persian Gulf to protect ships from Iranian attacks, it was reported last night. Commandos from the Special Boat Service – nicknamed the Frogmen – will be tasked with removing mines from ships’ hulls. And they will also kill or capture any Iranian […]
BRIT special forces from the elite SBS unit have been deployed to the Persian Gulf to protect ships from Iranian attacks, it was reported last night.
Commandos from the Special Boat Service – nicknamed the Frogmen – will be tasked with removing mines from ships’ hulls.
And they will also kill or capture any Iranian forces coming near British vessels in the flashpoint region.
SBS soldiers will also be supported by specialist Royal Navy divers who are trained to diffuse explosives, the Mirror reports.
The deployment comes as tensions continue to soar after Iran’s Revolutionary guard was accused of a series of attacks in recent weeks.
Western powers blame Tehran for blowing up two oil tankers with mines earlier this month.
And this week, Iranian forces shot down a £102million unmanned US spy drone which they claimed had flown into Iran’s airspace.
Fears are mounting that a full-scale war could erupt after US President Donald Trump said his forces were “cocked and loaded”.
It emerged this week that President Trump pulled back on retaliatory strikes that could have killed up to 150 with just minutes to spare.
There are fears Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz – where a third of the world’s liquefied natural gas and almost 20 per cent of total global oil consumption passes.
The SBS frogmen are highly trained aquatic soldiers – with many in their ranks drawn from the cream of the Royal Marines.
They are specialists at launching underwater attacks against vessels – and will have orders to use lethal force to protect British shipping interests.
And they could use Shallow Water Combat Submersibles – mini-subs used by UK and US special forces – in missions, defence sources said.
One of its roles will be to gather intelligence on Iranian mining operations
Defence source
A senior source said told the Mirror last night: “The SBS is being sent to the region as part of a deterrent.
“One of its roles will be to gather intelligence on Iranian mining operations.
“It will work closely with Royal Navy divers who are the specialists at disarming mines and protecting shipping.
“The SBS has a more aggressive role. Everyone is hoping that the tension will be eased and Iran will back down.”
SBS commandos undergo the same rigorous selection course as the SAS
The Ministry of Defence never comments on special forces operations.
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