These soldiers were unbelievably brave. It was a sting operation that could have gone horribly wrong:
The soldiers - who are not thought to have told their families that they were potential targets - were placed under unprecedented surveillance for weeks as officers waited for the terrorists to strike.
And as they tried to carry out their ordinary duties, the pair were aware that if the gang attempted to stage their abduction they could be attacked and bundled into a waiting vehicle at any time.To prevent this, the security forces mounted a sophisticated surveillance operation.
In an operation reminiscent of a spy drama, their every move was monitored by a team of crack MI5 agents - linked to the soldiers by the latest in modern technology.
[snip]
Their actions drew strong praise from senior security sources who said the soldiers showed "serious nerve" in the way they cooperated.
Incredibly, the two men carried on with their daily routines but were secretly shadowed around the clock by police and intelligence personnel, using high-technology tracking and bugging techniques. Surveillance teams kept a constant watch, looking for any sign of the plotters.
The two men were fitted with discreet tracking devices, with similar beacons attached to their cars, and armed response teams were on permanent standby to stage a rescue mission in case a kidnap plot was sprung.
[snip]
One insider added: "It was a brave thing to do. Effectively they agreed to act as bait - like tethered goats - without any way of knowing how real the danger was. They had to trust the police."
There has already been speculation that the men's bravery being recognised with a medal or other award, although Army chiefs are anxious to keep their identities under wraps.
Hat tip to Allahpundit, who writes, "You want Muslims against terrorism, you got it. In spades." Indeed.
Because these soldiers worked with the infidel police to capture the jihadis who wanted to behead them, they will be an even bigger and more hated target. Let's just hope they as well as their families continue to receive police protection.
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Comments (10)
Good God Almighty, those br... (Below threshold)1. Posted by OregonMuse | February 2, 2007 10:12 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Good God Almighty, those brave Muslim soldiers are absolute heroes and the British government should recognize them as such. Immediately.
And then provide them with round-the-clock protection from the inevitable backlash from the usual angry, vengeful jihadis.
1. Posted by OregonMuse | February 2, 2007 10:12 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2007 10:12
2. Posted by JohnAnnArbor | February 2, 2007 10:32 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Have the Queen give them medals. They earned them!
2. Posted by JohnAnnArbor | February 2, 2007 10:32 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2007 10:32
3. Posted by JohnAnnArbor | February 2, 2007 10:33 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I assume that medals, if necessary, could be given anonymously if necessary.
3. Posted by JohnAnnArbor | February 2, 2007 10:33 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2007 10:33
4. Posted by John F Not Kerry | February 2, 2007 10:59 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kudos to those heroes. If Islamist terrorism is to be defeated, it will take more ordinary Muslims standing up to them like these brave men.
4. Posted by John F Not Kerry | February 2, 2007 10:59 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2007 10:59
5. Posted by Oyster | February 2, 2007 11:37 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Ditto on the kudos. I hope this inspires others to come forward too in some capacity.
5. Posted by Oyster | February 2, 2007 11:37 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2007 11:37
6. Posted by William Arkin, MSNBC | February 2, 2007 11:46 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Oh, big deal. Those soldiers are paid for their job, right? No big deal. Buncha mercenaries, anyhow.
So what if they could be tortured to death. What do they expect, respect from us? Ha! Not from me, bubba.
6. Posted by William Arkin, MSNBC | February 2, 2007 11:46 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2007 11:46
7. Posted by mikem | February 2, 2007 11:59 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Heh, nice one "Arkin".
Talk about balls. Jeez, I feel unworthy even contemplating these guys.
7. Posted by mikem | February 2, 2007 11:59 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2007 11:59
8. Posted by Jo | February 2, 2007 1:47 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Who do they need protection from the most? Other jihadi terrorists? Or terrorist sympathizing liberals? Neither group will like this.
8. Posted by Jo | February 2, 2007 1:47 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2007 13:47
9. Posted by IllTemperedCur | February 2, 2007 3:00 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Ballsy indeed. Not only courageous but disciplined. Can you imagine having to keep to your routine & not let on that you know you're being hunted?
Awesome. Just frickin' awesome.
Instructive to note that our resident trolls haven't commented on this thread yet....
9. Posted by IllTemperedCur | February 2, 2007 3:00 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2007 15:00
10. Posted by epador | February 3, 2007 1:36 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Ill Tempered: I think this means that instead of a chickenhawk defense, they are just exhibiting their chicknesh8 nature.
10. Posted by epador | February 3, 2007 1:36 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 3, 2007 01:36