SAS troops operating as spies in Africa

06:00 AEDT Tue Mar 13 2012

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A squadron of SAS soldiers has been operating in secret in several African nations, putting them at massive risk if they are captured.

The elite troops are doing work normally reserved for spies in countries like Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Kenya, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The secret SAS 4 Squadron has been involved in missions to gather information on terrorists and to plot rescue strategies for kidnapped Australians.

The spy agency ASIS (Australian Secret Intelligence Service) normally does such espionage work, but they are legally unable to use force.

Unlike ASIS, the SAS troops are not allowed to carry false passports and are not permitted to deny working for the Australian government.

Operating out of uniform and in countries with which Australia is not at war, the squadron has little legal protection if they are captured.

"I think governments should think extremely carefully before they ask soldiers to do that," former deputy defence secretary Hugh White was quoted as saying.

The Australian government has not publicly confirmed the existence of the SAS 4 Squadron.

Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8434054/sas-troops-operating-as-spies-in-africa

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