Author Topic: 64 ex-soldiers face execution (Read 595 times)

SunTracker · « **on:** March 10, 2004, 03:12:36 PM »

http://cnn.aimtoday.cnn.com/news/story.jsp?floc=NW_1-T&oldflok=FF-APO-1105&idq=/ff/story/0001%2F20040310%2F1345385313.htm&sc=1105

I *think* some of the guys facing execution are ex-SAS.

Dowding · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2004, 03:19:41 PM »

While some might be ex-SAS, I really doubt the current SAS are involved. They tend to have much less overt ways of entering places. And besides, Mugabe has a hard-on for blaming Britain for anything that goes wrong over there. Apart from that amazing choice of facial hair... he seems to take full responsibility for that.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2004, 03:21:16 PM »

I can just imagine that conversation initially:

Zimbabwe Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi on Tuesday:
"Hello! Yes, I would like to speak to Tony Blair immediately! What do you mean he's busy? This involves British SAS, or Special Air Service, forces ! Call back?! %#$#$%@#@% Blair!"

{Press Release}:
Zimbabwe: Mercenaries Could Face Death:
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - The 64 suspected mercenaries who were aboard a cargo jet seized at the country's main airport could face the death penalty, Zimbabwe's foreign minister said Wednesday

The British government in Harare is following the developments closely. They attended a briefing by the Zimbabwean foreign minister this morning,'' said a spokeswoman, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Dowding · « **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2004, 03:24:29 PM »

I didn't think we even had an embassy over there anymore. They kicked out the BBC for its unfairly biased reporting of the government sponsored murders, rapes and beatings of white farmers and their workers.

Maverick · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2004, 03:40:16 PM »

Yeah you can really conduct a coup with mace and bolt cutters.

Perhaps the UN might want to intervene. Maybe some Euro nations, it's closer to them than the US is.

SunTracker · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2004, 03:43:12 PM »

U.S. is very imaginative when it comes to rescue missions. I would like to see that rocket powered C-130 finally get used.

Torque · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2004, 03:43:58 PM »

You'd know if it was a coup, they'd all be packing tubes of posioned tooth paste.

DoctorYO · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2004, 03:54:24 PM »

All I have to say is one of Africas most prosperous nations before.... Then Mug wog gissim comes in and lo and behold famine, murder, and pillage..

This guy is simian incarnate...

2 cents..

DoctorYo

Habu · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2004, 04:32:28 AM »

You know I have been to Zimbabwe and I think that a 100 or so Executive Outcome mercs could probably kick the butt of the whole Zimbabwe military.

I think they should mount a rescue operation. Good excuse to take out Mugababe while they are at it. He is the African version of Stalin.

gofaster · « **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2004, 08:10:41 AM »

Mugabe learned how to do it from Idi Amin. It just took Robert a bit longer to pull it off.

gofaster · « **Reply #10 on:** March 11, 2004, 08:18:20 AM »

Quote

Zimbabwe authorities alleged the 64 were hired by a South African mercenary organization and British special forces, state television reported.

The television said Tuesday that investigations in Zimbabwe found the plane was linked to a South African firm known as ``Executive Outcomes'' that in the past hired mostly former apartheid-era South African soldiers for mercenary and security work across Africa.

The television quoted Zimbabwe Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi as saying British SAS, or Special Air Service, forces were believed also to have been involved. He did not elaborate.

Britain's Foreign Office said it was aware of the allegation.

``The British government in Harare is following the developments closely. They attended a briefing by the Zimbabwean foreign minister this morning,'' said a spokeswoman, speaking on condition of anonymity.

When asked specifically about the SAS claim, she said she had no further details.

State TV said the plane was carrying 20 South African nationals and groups of Angolans, Congolese, Namibians and one Zimbabwean with a South African passport.

I'm surprised there's a British embassy in Harare. I would've thought they'd pulled out by now. They'd be an easy target.

If these guys are SAS/mercenary security, it sounds like maybe their target wasn't Zimbabwe but Equitorial Guinea. So what Zimbabwe law would they be violating? Mugabe hasn't said why he's holding them. I'm thinking those guys are political hostages and are probably toast if this drags on. Time is not on their side.

LWACE · « **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2004, 10:42:19 AM »

uh oh, War with Zimbabwe next?

Dowding · « **Reply #12 on:** March 11, 2004, 11:21:45 AM »

Zimbabwe's chief commodity is armed thugs and starving/terrified people. Not worth invading for that.

gofaster · « **Reply #13 on:** March 11, 2004, 12:54:17 PM »

Well, it would make a nice safari park once all the people are fed and clothed. Then again, so would Liberia and Somalia.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #14 on:** March 11, 2004, 01:19:43 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Dowding
Zimbabwe's chief commodity is armed thugs and starving/terrified people. Not worth invading for that.

Falklands was a desolate island with no natural resources...