| Conflict | Oman Coup Attempt (1970s)
|
| Date | July 19, 1972
|
| Place | Mirbat, South Oman
|
| Result | Decisive British victory
|
| Combatants
|
| British SAS
| Communist rebels
|
| Commanders
|
Captain Mike Kealy
| Unknown
|
| Strength
|
| 9 SAS soldiers (later reinforced by 23 more)
| 250 Adoo guerillas
|
| Casualties
|
| 2 killed, 1 wounded
| 80 killed
|
|
The Battle of Mirbat took place during the 1970s attempted coup in Oman. Britain assisted the Oman government by sending elements of its Special Air Service to both train soldiers and compete against the Adoo guerillas for the "hearts and minds" of the Omani people.
At 6am on 19 July 1972 the Adoo retaliated against the British, sending 250 well-armed men against the isolated BATT house near Mirbat. Against overwhelming odds, the nine SAS soldiers stationed there resisted fiercely, holding the Adoo back for several hours until reinforcements could arrive. Defeated, the Adoo withdrew at about 12.30pm.
The 25 pounder gun, now known as the "Mirbat gun" which was used during the siege is now housed in the Firepower museum of the Royal Artillery at the former Woolwich Arsenal.
Last updated: 10-12-2005 16:11:37
