Operation Nimrod: 17 Minutes to Freedom at Princes Gate • Spotter Up

The Iranian embassy in London, severely damaged by fire after the Iranian Embassy Siege. The fire was was caused by the G60 Stun Grenades used by the SAS during the assault. Photo credit: Tim Brown / CC BY-SA 2.0.

Operation Nimrod holds a distinguished place in the history of special forces, representing one of the most iconic counterterrorism operations ever executed. The mission, carried out by the British Special Air Service (SAS), unfolded during the Iranian Embassy Siege in London in April 1980.

This harrowing event began on April 30, 1980, when six armed men stormed the Iranian Embassy at 16 Princes Gate, South Kensington. Their actions resulted in 26 hostages being taken. The attackers were identified as members of the Democratic Revolutionary Front for the Liberation of Arabistan (DRFLA), a separatist group advocating for the autonomy of Iran’s Khuzestan Province. Their demands included the release of prisoners in Iranian jails and safe passage out of the United Kingdom, which quickly escalated the crisis to an international level.

As the days wore on, the British government sought a resolution, but negotiations faltered. The turning point occurred on May 5, 1980, when one of the hostages was killed. This tragic event prompted the government to authorize the deployment of the SAS, a unit renowned globally for its expertise in counterterrorism and special operations. The SAS had developed a reputation as an elite force capable of handling the most challenging scenarios, and their involvement in Operation Nimrod would further cement their legendary status.

Portrait of Lt Colonel David Stirling DSO. founder of the Special Air Service, taken in 1942. Photo credit: Keating (Capt), No 1 Army Film & Photographic Unit – Collections of the Imperial War Museums.

The British SAS is one of the world’s most elite special forces units, known for its secrecy, precision, and highly specialized operations. Established during World War II in 1941, the SAS was originally formed to conduct daring raids behind enemy lines in North Africa. Today, it operates as an integral part of the British Army, specializing in counterterrorism, reconnaissance, hostage rescue, and covert warfare. The unit’s rigorous selection process is infamous for its difficulty, testing both physical endurance and psychological resilience. The SAS motto, “Who Dares Wins,” embodies its fearless approach to missions that often require quick decision-making and extreme adaptability. Over the decades, the SAS has been involved in high-profile operations, such as Operation Nimrod, showcasing its ability to execute highly complex missions with precision and efficiency. Despite its prominence, much of the SAS’s work remains classified, adding to its reputation as a shadowy yet formidable force in global security.

Planning and Preparation

The SAS began planning their rescue mission almost immediately after the siege began. By May 1, two SAS teams were moved to London, and they started rehearsing using intelligence gathered from released hostages and embassy staff.

The planning and preparation for the mission were exhaustive. SAS commanders took a methodical approach, utilizing every resource available to gain intelligence about the embassy’s layout and the hostage-takers’ movements. Blueprints of the building were analyzed to identify entry points, obstacles, and the likely locations of hostages. Intelligence operatives conducted round-the-clock surveillance, closely monitoring the behavior and routines of the hostage-takers.

To ensure that the operation could be executed with precision and minimal risk, the SAS undertook rigorous rehearsals. Using mock-ups of the embassy, the team simulated the rescue repeatedly, refining their tactics with each practice run. This meticulous preparation underscored the gravity of the mission and the need for flawless execution.

Approximately 30 SAS soldiers, all members of the Counter Revolutionary Warfare (CRW) Wing of the 22 SAS, were tasked with the operation. The CRW Wing specialized in high-risk scenarios, including urban combat, close-quarters battle (CQB), and hostage rescue. Their training equipped them with the skills necessary to adapt to the complexities of the situation.

The strategy devised by the SAS hinged on four core principles: simultaneous entry, speed, surprise and violence of action. Multiple teams were assigned different entry points, including windows, doors, and the roof, to overwhelm the attackers from all angles. The use of flashbangs (G60 Stun Grenades) was a critical component of the strategy. The G60 was Stun Grenade was developed by the SAS and was one of the first noise flash diversionary devices (NFDDs) / flash sound diversionary devices (FSDDs), These devices disoriented the hostage-takers and created an opening for the SAS to act swiftly.

G60 Stun Grenade in the Imperial War Museum. The G60 was developed by the SAS and was one of the first flashbangs. The G60 was used in Operation Nimrod. Photo credit: Imperial War Museums.

Execution of the Mission

As night fell on May 5, 1980, the operation commenced. The SAS launched simultaneous assaults from multiple points around the embassy. Explosive charges were used to breach doors and windows, creating loud, sudden entry points that further disoriented the attackers. From the rooftop, SAS soldiers descended, shattering upper-level windows in a display of vertical assault techniques that exemplified their training. Diversionary tactics, including controlled explosions, added to the confusion, leaving the hostage-takers scrambling to respond.

Inside the embassy, the SAS teams moved with precision, employing CQB tactics to neutralize the attackers and secure the hostages. Within minutes, the SAS had taken control of the building, neutralizing five of the six attackers. The surviving attacker was captured and later prosecuted.

Tragically, one hostage was killed during the assault, while two others sustained injuries. Additionally, one SAS soldier was injured in the operation. Despite these losses, the mission was hailed as a success, as the vast majority of hostages were rescued, and the threat was eliminated.

The entire operation lasted a mere 17 minutes, a reflection of the SAS’s preparation, coordination, and execution. The success of Operation Nimrod was attributed to several factors, including the extensive rehearsals conducted prior to the mission, the use of advanced intelligence to prioritize actions, and the deployment of specialized gear designed for hostage rescue scenarios. The SAS’s ability to adapt to the dynamic and high-pressure environment of the embassy siege demonstrated their unparalleled expertise in counter-terrorism operations.

The SAS assaulters in Operation Nimrod were equipped with HK MP5 submachine guns chambered in 9mm, complemented by Inglis L9A1 pistols, also in 9mm. Photo credit: Samuli Silvennoinen / CC BY-SA 3.0.

An Enduring Legacy

Operation Nimrod left an enduring legacy, becoming a benchmark for special forces operations worldwide. It highlighted the importance of meticulous planning, decisive action, and the human qualities of courage, coordination, and quick thinking under extreme pressure. Military academies around the globe continue to study the operation as a textbook example of how to resolve high-stakes hostage situations. The mission brought the SAS into the public eye, earning them international recognition and inspiring governments to invest in specialized counter-terrorism training and resources.

The operation also underscored the evolving nature of global terrorism and the need for innovative approaches to address these challenges. Operation Nimrod showcased the effectiveness of special forces in handling complex crises, setting a precedent for future counter-terrorism efforts.

The bravery and precision displayed by the SAS during the Iranian Embassy Siege remain a source of admiration, and their success serves as a reminder of the critical role that preparation and expertise play in achieving operational excellence. Today, Operation Nimrod is remembered not only as a triumph of military strategy but also as a defining moment in the history of counterterrorism.