Pic of the Day: A Lone SAS Operator Enters the DusitD2 Hotel in Kenya

Here, we witness a long operator from the UK’s 22nd SAS Regiment enter the Dusit D2 Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, in January of 2019 following the attacks of Al-Shabaab. He had been in Kenya on a foreign internal defense (FID) working with Kenyan Special Forces.

A Bit About the Dusit D2Attack

The DusitD2 complex attack in Nairobi, Kenya, which occurred from January 15 to 16, 2019, was a harrowing event that showcased both the horrific capabilities of terrorist groups and the bravery of responders. Al-Shabaab, an Islamist militant group vehemently opposed to Kenyan involvement in the Somali Civil War, claimed responsibility for this attack. This group has a history of violent attacks in the region, including the 2013 Westgate shopping mall attack in Westlands, Nairobi, and the 2015 mass shooting at Garissa University College.

The DusitD2 attack occurred at the 14 Riverside Drive complex, a high-end hotel and office area that includes the DusitD2 Hotel and the Commission on Revenue Allocation. The complex also houses several international businesses and organizations.

This attack is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating terrorism and the importance of international cooperation in these efforts.

The attack began in the afternoon of January 15, with reports of gunfire and explosions. The terrorists, arriving in two vehicles, first caused a blast near the Secret Garden restaurant, then forced their way into the complex, shooting guards and lobbing grenades. The Kenyan police’s anti-terrorism unit, the Recce company, along with members of private security forces and some off-duty police officers, were among the first responders.

A significant moment in the incident was the involvement of a masked member of the British SAS, using the pseudonym Christian Craighead and Dan J. Prastalo of the Diplomatic Protective Services Tactical Response Unit. These individuals were instrumental in clearing the complex, rescuing hostages, and engaging the attackers. Craighead’s actions, in particular, earned him the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

The attack’s conclusion was initially thought to be swift but continued gunfire and explosions the next day indicated otherwise. The attack caused the deaths of 22 civilians and all five attackers. President Uhuru Kenyatta initially reported 14 deaths, but the number was later revised.
Al-Shabaab’s claim that the violence was in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital adds a global dimension to this local tragedy.

In the aftermath, the 14 Riverside Drive complex was closed to the public, and extensive investigations led to the arrest of several individuals suspected of assisting in the attack. The National Police Service was commended for its response, which resulted in nearly 700 people being rescued.

Interestingly, the incident found its way into popular culture, with references in video games and literature, although Christian Craighead faced legal challenges in publishing his account of the events.