At 7:07 p.m. on May 5, 1980, the Metropolitan Police officially handed control of the Iranian Embassy siege to the SAS. What followed were seventeen minutes of high-stakes drama that would change the reputation of the Special Air Service forever.
In this episode, Patrick Bishop and Saul David break down the frantic tactical reality of Operation Nimrod. We explore the "Blue" and "Red" team assaults, the infamous moment an operative became entangled in his abseil rope, and the live television broadcast that captivated millions across the globe.
Beyond the flashbangs and the smoke, they tackle the difficult questions:
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The Controversy: Was there a "shoot-to-kill" policy? We examine the accounts of hostages and the fate of the surviving terrorists.
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The Global Impact: How Margaret Thatcher used the success of the raid as diplomatic leverage to try and free American hostages in Tehran.
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The Legacy: How a "textbook" assault on the edge of Hyde Park transformed the SAS from a shadowy unit into a world-renowned anti-terrorist force.
Join us as we conclude our deep dive into one of the most significant Special Forces operations in British history.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com
Producer: James Hodgson
X (Twitter): @PodBattleground
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