‘Shoot to kill’ specialist task force deployed to destroy ISIS terror cells in the UK
The crack terror task force has already reportedly foiled a plot by suspects in Manchester and London
SPECIAL forces troops with "shoot to kill" capability have been deployed to fight jihadi terror cells across the UK.
The army unit, made up of SAS, SBS and Special Reconnaissance Regiment members, is targeting ISIS extremists returning from combat in Syria and Iraq.
The task force will work with MI5 to capture or kill the battle-hardened terrorists.
Carefully selected male and female soldiers are serving in the force, which is backed up by SAS snipers and bomb disposal officers.
So far, up to 70 troops are members - chosen for their weapons skills and close surveillance training - but more will deployed as the terror threat level increases.
Driving armoured Range Rovers, they will provide rapid armed response to terror threats and patrol cities and towns where intelligence suggests an attack could take place.
Despite being authorised with a shoot to kill mandate, the unit carries weapons designed to minimise risk to the public.
The team's operations are believed to have already foiled a plot involving suspects from Manchester and London.
There are fears that as many as 300 active terrorists operate in the UK after returning from Middle East.
One source told the : “UK Special Forces group has had its budget increased so it has been able to recruit more troops and form this unit which will have a dedicated counter-terror role in the UK.
“The Special Reconnaissance Regiment is composed of the best covert operators in the world.
“They can blend into any situation.
“They have troops from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, including Muslim soldiers who are dedicated to the fight against terrorism.
“They can get into Muslim communities and even mosques to conduct close surveillance.
“The creation of this unit is probably the biggest advance in the fight against terrorism in 10 years.”
Andrew Parker, the head of MI5, revealed that more than 500 operations involving 3,000 people linked to terrorism are live.
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