SAS create elite unit of snipers to take out excessive profile enemy targets
EXCLUSIVE: The targets include senior commanders and the move follows the success of SAS trained Ukrainian snipers who have killed dozens of Russian officers
The SAS have created an elite cadre of snipers trained to assassinate high value targets on the battlefield.
The targets include senior commanders – such as generals, politicians and even celebrities visiting troops as part of a propaganda campaign.
The move follows the enormous success of SAS trained Ukrainian snipers who have killed dozens of senior Russian officers since the start of the war almost four years ago. Many members of the SAS are trained snipers with each covert team having at least two whose role is to support troops in combat.
But the Daily Star Sunday says that the SAS best shots will now fight together in a special unit when the troops deploy into combat zones.
One source told us: “Snipers are a fantastic force multiplier. A sniper pair can hold up an infantry advance, call in artillery strikes and carry out battle damage assessments. They are also experts in camouflage and so can be used to gather intelligence.
“Ukrainian snipers have proved to be hugely successful in taking out high value targets – which is part of the role of a sniper.
“The SAS will use snipers in a much more concentrated way than they have done so previously so the impact will be much better.
“The role of a sniper is also to damage morale. They will kill a guy going to the toilet or someone having a shave. Suppressors or silencers will be used so no one will hear the shot – they will just see the body drop to the floor.
“Imagine the impact on morale if a general giving a speech to his men has his head blown odd in front of them or someone celebrity is dropped on stage while visiting troops. Anyone who enters the combat zone is fair game.”
The source also revealed that snipers who have already achieved an operational kill often wear baseball caps on operations with the words “Long Range Death” embroidered on them.
SAS snipers were used extensively in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria where they were used to target ISIS leaders and bomb makers.
At least two Russian generals have been killed by Ukrainian snipers but the figures of the number actually shot dead are reported to be far higher.
Sniping is now regarded as a major weapon of war for the Ukrainian troops, many of whom have been taught the art by British troops.
Earlier this year it was reported that a Ukrainian sniper is believed to have obliterated the world record for the longest confirmed kill shot in history.
The export reportedly managed to eliminate two Russian soldiers from over two-and-a-half miles (13,123ft) away with a single bullet.
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