The British special forces soldier carries a casualty out of the building with help from a member of the security forces
How Hero SAS Soldier Battled Islamist Terrorists Attacking Kenyan Hotel
The British SAS trooper stormed into a luxury Kenyan hotel and exchanged fire with Islamist terrorists who slaughtered 21 people, including a Ghanaian.
The off-duty Special Forces warrior, wearing combat gear over casual jeans and a purple shirt, was captured on camera entering the complex in Nairobi and then emerging with terrified survivors.
His face largely concealed by a balaclava, the unnamed soldier used a modified colt Canada rifle and carried a Glock 9mm side weapon as well as a knife for hand-to-hand combat.
He is understood to have been out shopping in the city when he heard about the attack and kitted up with equipment in the back of his car before heading to the scene to “organise the entire operation”.
Insiders say there is “no doubt” his actions saved lives and he was hailed for his bravery.
Tuesday’s terror attack saw five gunmen kill 21 people, including British charity executive Luke Potter and 41-year-old U.S. businessman Jason Spindler, after detonating car bombs outside.
More than 700 people were evacuated from the complex during the 20-hour siege, however, some 50 people believed to have been in the building at the time of the attack are still unaccounted for, according to the Kenya Red Cross.
The British SAS soldier was reportedly in Nairobi to train Kenyan Special Forces when a request for help went out to local forces.
“He was there training and mentoring Kenyan forces when the shout went up, so they went in,” an insider told The Sun.
British Special Forces always run towards the sound of gunfire. He fired off rounds during the operation. It’s a safe bet he hit his target — the SAS don’t miss. There’s no doubt his actions saved lives.
“He is a long serving member of the Regiment, there is no doubt his actions saved lives.”
Revealing more about the soldier’s daring actions, SAS veteran Chris Ryan – who served in the elite regiment for 10 years – told The Mirror the soldier “was out shopping”, when he heard about the hotel attack.
He said, “He had his equipment in the car so, when it all kicked off, he sprinted back and got kitted up before heading straight towards the fire-fight. When he arrived in the hotel, he started organising the entire operation, directing the police and army.
Then he went in there on his own to neutralise the enemy and rescue the hostages. His actions certainly saved many lives and show the manner of these men, who are extremely brave and always ready.’”
President Kenyatta said that 21 civilians have been confirmed dead and that more than 700 people had been evacuated to safety during the attack.