Operation Who Dares Wins

SITUATION

On 15 January 2019, Kenya suffered a major coordinated terrorist assault targeting districts in and around Nairobi. What initially appeared to be an isolated attack has since developed into a much larger and more organised insurgent uprising.

An extremist organisation identifying itself as the Al-Shabaab Nairobi Front (ANF) has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Intelligence indicates that the organisation has mobilised several armed cells across the wider Nairobi region, with attacks extending beyond the capital into surrounding rural settlements and infrastructure.

Multiple civilian locations have been seized. Hostages, including foreign nationals, Kenyan government personnel and local civilians, are being held at several locations throughout the affected area.

The situation has overwhelmed local security resources. Kenyan security forces are engaged across multiple locations, with reports of further armed groups operating independently throughout the countryside.

The scale of the uprising suggests a degree of premeditation and coordination significantly greater than initially anticipated.

FRIENDLY FORCES

A troop of British SAS personnel is currently operating in Kenya following a previously authorised regional deployment to train the Kenyan Defence Force.

However, due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation and the apparent threat to British nationals, the local SAS command has made the decision to initiate independent intervention.

This operation has NOT been authorised by the British Government or UK military command.

The troop is therefore operating without formal orders from London, acting solely on the initiative of its deployed personnel and local SAS command.

Should the operation become public knowledge, the British Government may deny involvement.

The troop is effectively operating independently, with no guarantee of official reinforcement, extraction or political support.

ENEMY FORCES

The ANF is believed to consist of several hundred armed militants distributed across the wider operational area.

Enemy personnel are reported to be operating in multiple groups, occupying civilian facilities, settlements and strategically important locations.

Their organisation appears to include:

• Armed assault elements.
• Local support networks and sympathisers.
• Armed groups operating in rural communities.
• Personnel responsible for holding civilian hostages.
• Individuals coordinating communications between separate militant groups.

Enemy numbers and exact locations remain uncertain.

The presence of civilians throughout the operational area significantly complicates any intervention.

MISSION

22 SAS Regiment is to conduct an independent counter-terrorism intervention throughout the affected region.

The troop is tasked with locating and assisting hostages, disrupting the ongoing threat to civilian populations, and supporting the restoration of local security.

The operation is to be conducted without formal UK Government authorisation, under the direction of the local SAS command.

The protection of civilian life and the recovery of hostages are the primary objectives.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

• All armed hostile personnel presenting an immediate threat may be engaged.
• Civilian casualties must be avoided wherever possible.
• Hostages are to be treated as friendly civilians.
• Enemy personnel surrendering are to be detained and handled appropriately.
• All actions must consider the presence of civilians and the risk of mistaken identification.
• The recovery of hostages takes precedence over unnecessary engagements.