05 May 2025 , 14:36
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A former British intelligence chief stated that, considering how imminent the suspects were believed to be in executing a massacre, it was ’quite possible’ that elite troops were involved in the raids.
Elite soldiers from the Special Air Service (SAS) are "very likely" to have joined counter-terror police and MI5 in thwarting a "major terror attack" on British soil, according to security experts. In a high-stakes operation targeting suspected Iranian agents, authorities launched raids on alleged terror cells in a move described as "highly significant", with a devastating attack thought to have been just hours from taking place.
Sources said the suspected plot involved plans to strike a UK site, branding it a "major attack" with an imminent threat to life. It is believed members of the SAS’s elite counter-terror unit - known as the "special projects" team - may have backed up armed officers during the busts. The Mirror exclusively revealed yesterday that special forces were involved, acting as liaison between their secretive Hereford-base and counter terror police.
Today one former British intelligence chief said that, given how close the suspects allegedly were to carrying out a massacre, it was "distinctly possible" the military played a supporting role.
The Ministry of Defence does not comment on special forces operations, but according to a former SAS operator, it was likely that a squad from the formidable "Who Dares Wins" regiment took part in storming a property in Rochdale alongside counter-terror police, MailOnline reports.
According to the expert, SAS troops would likely have been armed with explosives to breach doors, working in tandem with police. Photos from the scene show figures in military helmets and body armour, carrying what appear to be suppressed C8 rifles.
Sources said the alleged terror plot was just hours from taking place(Image: MEN MEDIA)
Other images show officers kitted out in black and grey tactical gear - believed to be elite Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers (CTSFOs).
Locals reported hearing a series of loud bangs and shouting before suspects were marched out by counter-terrorism teams. There was a massive explosion and flame. It was officers using explosives to blow open the door," one eyewitness said.
Photos taken after the operation show a smashed ground-floor window at the raided property. It’s thought this was to allow officers to lob in flash-bang grenades before storming the alleged terror cell.
Police on East Street, Manchester, following a series of raids(Image: Phil Taylor / SWNS)
In another dramatic scene, plain-clothed officers were seen detaining a man in Swindon town centre. The former SAS veteran said those involved were likely counter-terror police rather than special forces.
Colonel Philip Ingram, a former military intelligence officer, said SAS troops and their surveillance counterparts in the Special Reconnaissance Regiment (SRR) may have been deployed, with sites across the UK targeted simultaneously.
"It’s distinctly possible that - given the national-level threat and hostile state involvement - SRR personnel were on the ground handling surveillance, with special forces backing up counter-terror police," Col Ingram said.
"There’s a strong possibility that, given the multifaceted nature of the threat, UK special forces were working in tandem with counter-terror teams."
Technology & Business Editor