Special Forces Today

In 1991, the United States and coalition forces liberated Kuwait after its brief occupation by Saddam Husseins Iraqi army. One of the abiding memories of that conflict was the activities of the coalitions special forces soldiers deep in Iraq, hunting down SCUD missile launchers before Israel could be attacked. Since then, elite military units have played an increasingly important role in the worlds armed forces. Special Forces Today recounts their operations over the last fifteen years. From the Gulf War to the 2003 invasion of Iraqvia the war in Afghanistan, the search for war criminals in the Balkans, the hunt for drug barons in South America, hostage rescues in Africa, and the counterterrorism initiatives since 9/11the book discloses in detail the often clandestine activities of the worlds elite soldiers.Illustrated with action photographs, Special Forces Today shows how these forces have become a vital part of any governments military machine and the roles they have played in recent world events. With an authoritative text and rare black-and-white and color photographs, the book is a highly illustrated guide to the recent operations of these most secretiveand successfulsoldiers.