‘KILL’ FORCE WILL STOP UK JIHADIS
Unit to target returning ISIS nuts
A CRACK team of “shoot to kill” special forces troops have been deployed to fight jihadi terror cells in the UK.
The task force is targeting ISIS fanatics returning from combat in Syria and Iraq.
MI5 believes these battle-hardened extremists pose a greater security risk to the UK than any previous terrorist group.
But the new Army unit comprising members of the SAS, SBS and the Special Reconnaissance Regiment is out to stop them. It will work alongside MI5 to find terrorists and either capture or kill them.
Male and female soldiers are serving in the force, which is supported by SAS snipers and bomb disposal officers. All operators have been selected for their weapons skills and ability to conduct close surveillance.
Up to 70 troops are serving in the unit but more will be deployed when the threat level is high.
Soldiers are expected to patrol towns and cities where an attack is feared to provide a rapid armed response.
They will travel in armoured Range Rovers and carry weapons adapted to minimise any risk to the public, although they have a shoot-to-kill mandate for terrorists.
It is understood that the task force has already taken part in several operations, helping to foil a plot involving suspects in London and Manchester.
British spooks believe there are as many as 300 active terrorists operating in the UK, many of whom have slipped back into the country from the Middle East.
One source said: “UK Special Forces group has had its budget increased so it has been able to recruit more troops and form this unit which will have a dedicated counter-terror role in the UK. “The Special Reconnaissance Regiment is composed of the best covert operators in the world.
“They can blend into any situation.
“They have troops from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, including Muslim soldiers who are dedicated to the fight against terrorism.
“They can get into Muslim communities and even mosques to conduct close surveillance.
“The creation of this unit is probably the biggest advance in the fight against terrorism in 10 years.”
The move follows the disclosure by the head of MI5, Andrew Parker, that Britain faces the worst terror threat in 35 years.
The top spook said his organisation has more than 500 live investigations involving around
3,000 people known to be involved in extremist activities.
And he revealed that more than
20,000 individuals have been scrutinised in the past for possible terror ties and there are undoubtedly “violent extremists” who have not been detected by the security services.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said it did not comment on special forces operations.