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The SAS and the Iranian Embassy Siege 1980 Raid: A Thrilling True Story

Corey Hayes

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Published in Who Dares Wins: The SAS And The Iranian Embassy Siege 1980 (Raid 4)

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On April 30th, 1980, the Iranian Embassy in London was seized by a group of six heavily armed Iranian Arab separatists. The terrorists, led by Oan Ali Mohammed, took 26 hostages, including embassy staff and visitors. The hostage situation lasted for six days, during which time the terrorists made several demands, including the release of 91 Arab prisoners from Iranian jails.

The British government refused to negotiate with the terrorists, and on May 5th, the SAS was called in to end the siege. The SAS launched a daring raid on the embassy, successfully freeing the hostages and killing five of the terrorists. The sixth terrorist was captured and later sentenced to life in prison.

Who Dares Wins: The SAS and the Iranian Embassy Siege 1980 (Raid 4)

Who Dares Wins: The SAS and the Iranian Embassy Siege 1980 (Raid Book 4)

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The SAS raid was a major success, and it helped to establish the SAS as one of the world's leading counter-terrorism units. The raid was also a major turning point in the history of hostage negotiations, as it showed that governments were no longer willing to negotiate with terrorists.

The Hostage Situation

The Iranian Embassy siege began at approximately 11:30am on April 30th, 1980, when six Iranian Arab separatists stormed the embassy building. The terrorists were armed with automatic weapons and grenades, and they quickly overwhelmed the embassy's security guards.

The terrorists then took 26 hostages, including embassy staff and visitors. The hostages were held in the embassy's basement for six days, during which time they were subjected to physical and psychological abuse.

The terrorists made several demands during the siege, including the release of 91 Arab prisoners from Iranian jails. The British government refused to negotiate with the terrorists, and the SAS was called in to end the siege.

The SAS Raid

The SAS raid on the Iranian Embassy was launched at approximately 7:23pm on May 5th, 1980. The raid was led by Captain John McAleese, and it involved 30 SAS troopers.

The SAS troopers entered the embassy building through a window on the first floor. They then quickly moved through the building, clearing each room of terrorists.

The SAS troopers encountered heavy resistance from the terrorists, but they were able to overcome the terrorists and free the hostages. Five of the terrorists were killed in the raid, and the sixth terrorist was captured.

The SAS raid was a major success, and it helped to establish the SAS as one of the world's leading counter-terrorism units. The raid also showed that governments were no longer willing to negotiate with terrorists.

The Aftermath of the Raid

The SAS raid on the Iranian Embassy had a major impact on the world. The raid showed that governments were no longer willing to negotiate with terrorists, and it helped to establish the SAS as one of the world's leading counter-terrorism units.

The raid also had a major impact on the hostages. The hostages were subjected to physical and psychological abuse during their six-day ordeal, and many of them suffered from long-term psychological problems.

The SAS raid on the Iranian Embassy is a reminder of the dangers of terrorism and the importance of being prepared to respond to terrorist threats. The raid also showed that governments and law enforcement agencies can work together to defeat terrorism.

The SAS raid on the Iranian Embassy was a major success, and it helped to establish the SAS as one of the world's leading counter-terrorism units. The raid also showed that governments were no longer willing to negotiate with terrorists, and it helped to change the way that hostage situations are handled.

SAS Iranian Embassy Siege 1980 Raid Who Dares Wins: The SAS And The Iranian Embassy Siege 1980 (Raid 4)