Unit/ Formation: SBS
Location: Kuwait
Period/ Conflict: Operation Granby (Gulf War 1)
Year: 1991
Date/s: 27th February 1991
The Special Boat Service carried out one of its most high-profile operations when it liberated the British Embassy in Kuwait, abseiling from helicopters hovering above the embassy.
Prime Minister John Major said that allied troops were firmly in control of Kuwait City and added that the British ambassador might return to the recaptured British Embassy within a day.
'I am delighted to confirm that Kuwait City is now entirely free,' he said.
He said British troops had retaken the British Embassy.
'They are cleaning it up and I hope very much that the British ambassador will be able to return very speedily, perhaps as early as tomorrow,' Major said.