1. Operation Chariot - St. Nazaire Raid
One of the most daring commando raids of World War II, Operation Chariot involved British commandos destroying the dry dock at St. Nazaire, France, to prevent German battleships from using it.
2. Operation Entebbe
In 1976, Israeli commandos successfully rescued hostages held at Entebbe Airport in Uganda, showcasing their precision and bravery in a high-stakes operation.
3. Operation Neptune Spear
The raid that led to the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011, conducted by U.S. Navy SEAL Team 6, remains one of the most famous and successful commando operations in recent history.
4. Operation Gunnerside
A Norwegian commando raid during World War II, Operation Gunnerside saw a small team sabotage a heavy water plant in Nazi-occupied Norway, disrupting Germany's nuclear ambitions.
5. Operation Jaywick
An Australian commando raid in 1943, Operation Jaywick involved a small team using canoes to infiltrate enemy waters and successfully sink several Japanese ships in Singapore harbor.
6. Operation Acid Gambit
A U.S. Army Delta Force raid in 1990, Operation Acid Gambit rescued an American civilian captured in Panama, showcasing the elite unit's capabilities in hostage rescue missions.
7. Operation Nimrod
The 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London was ended by the British Special Air Service (SAS) in Operation Nimrod, a textbook example of a successful hostage rescue operation.
8. Operation Barras
A British Army operation in Sierra Leone in 2000, Operation Barras successfully rescued British soldiers held captive by rebel forces, demonstrating the effectiveness of rapid response and precision tactics.
9. Operation Thunderbolt
Also known as the Entebbe Raid, this Israeli operation in 1976 saw commandos rescue hostages held by Palestinian and German terrorists at Entebbe Airport in Uganda, showcasing Israel's commitment to protecting its citizens.
10. Operation Gideon
A recent commando raid in 2020, Operation Gideon involved a failed attempt to overthrow the government of Venezuela, highlighting the risks and complexities of modern-day special operations.
