What is Flotilla 13? Elite Israeli unit frees 250 hostages
Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
SUFA, GAZA STRIP: In a riveting and audacious operation, Israel's elite naval commando unit, Flotilla 13, successfully reclaimed a checkpoint that had been overrun by Hamas militants.
The daring mission, which resulted in the liberation of 250 hostages, was captured on video through body cameras worn by the unit's members. The Flotilla 13 elite unit is often likened to the US Navy SEALs and is renowned for its specialization in counter-terrorism operations.
Harrowing scenes
The video footage released on Thursday evening on October 12 offers a harrowing glimpse into the intense moments during the operation.
As the highly trained troops stormed the compound at the Sufa checkpoint, they were met with a disconcerting sight: bodies strewn on the floor of darkened rooms.
This macabre scene left the rescuers in a state of uncertainty, unsure if these lifeless individuals were hostages or Hamas militants who had met their demise earlier in the conflict.
In another room, a group of people was seen standing as the elite unit members entered. It is presumed that these individuals were the Israeli hostages who had endured the torment of captivity at the hands of their Hamas captors.
Amid the tension and uncertainty, one of the officers rallied his unit by shouting, "Shayetet, Shayetet, stay in the bunker, we're coming," using the Hebrew name for their elite commando unit.
That said, the identities and nationalities of those rescued have not been disclosed, leaving a disconcerting and poignant question mark over the fate of around 20 American hostages who still remained unaccounted for.
Perilous battle flushes out Hamas militants
During the gripping assault on the Sufa checkpoint, positioned along the southern border with Gaza, adjacent to the Egyptian border, the Flotilla 13 troops methodically combed the compound, going door-to-door to flush out the Hamas militants who had taken control.
As they ventured deeper into the site, they encountered fierce resistance from the well-entrenched militants. Shell casings filled the air as the Flotilla 13 troops relentlessly engaged in intense gun battles, displaying remarkable courage in their quest to secure the compound and free the hostages.
To dislodge the Hamas attackers, the Israeli forces resorted to the use of grenades, creating explosive shockwaves and disarray within the stronghold.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) later announced their success in neutralizing the threat. They reported having killed 60 Hamas militants and arrested 26 more, among them Muhammad Abu A'ali, the deputy commander of the Hamas Southern Naval Division.
One particularly harrowing scene from the footage showed a man who appeared to be naked, with blood on his back and shoulders, being brought out of the compound and subsequently handcuffed.
However, the operation, while successful, has darker implications for other hostages. Israelis seized from a nearby music festival and from kibbutzim and villages close to Gaza, were taken back into Gaza. Here, they would potentially be employed as human shields, a harrowing prospect that casts a shadow over their fate.
Their current whereabouts remain a mystery, but it is considered likely that they are being held in tunnels beneath the territory, and frequently moved to thwart rescue attempts.
Evacuation alerts and global response
In the wake of the remarkable footage's release, Israel's military took a precautionary measure by directing residents of Gaza City to evacuate for their own safety, hinting at the looming possibility of an Israeli ground offensive.
This directive was followed by a statement from a UN spokesperson claiming that a similar evacuation was directed for all of northern Gaza, a region inhabited by 1.1 million people, which comprises roughly half of the territory's population. The feasibility of such a mass evacuation has been met with skepticism and concern.
In a global response to the evolving crisis, US President Joe Biden assured the world that the United States was deploying all available resources and efforts to secure the release of the hostages.
In a poignant and forceful statement, President Biden condemned the Hamas attack on Israel as "the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust." He described it as a campaign of "pure cruelty" and reiterated the unwavering support of the United States for Israel during this critical juncture.
The current death toll stands at 1,200 in Israel, including 27 Americans, with an additional 1,500 casualties in Gaza. As the situation continues to develop, Hamas is believed to have taken an estimated 150 hostages, including Americans, and is menacingly threatening to execute them should Israel initiate a ground invasion of Gaza.
Flotilla 13: Guardians of the deep
Flotilla 13, a unit of the Israeli Navy, represents one of the most secretive and elite units of the Israeli military.
Their specialization in sea-to-land incursions, counter-terrorism, sabotage, maritime intelligence gathering, maritime hostage rescue, and boarding has established them as a formidable and respected force on a global scale, often compared to the US Navy SEALs and Britain's Special Boat Service.
Volunteers for Shayetet 13 must commit to serving at least four and a half years, a testament to the unit's dedication and rigorous training.
The training of Shayetet 13 recruits lasts 20 months and is considered one of the most demanding courses in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Cadets undergo training in a variety of martial arts, including Krav Maga, Israel's national martial art.
Toward the conclusion of their training, Shayetet 13 recruits are subjected to a course in enduring enemy captivity, designed to prepare them for the unthinkable. This course includes mock kidnappings and simulated captivity, during which they endure threats, interrogation, physical violence, and even humiliating activities.
This extensive training regimen ensures that the members of Flotilla 13 are among the best-trained special forces operatives in the world.