Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff presents this 6-part series that throws 29 of the fittest men and women in the UK into the ultimate endurance test.
29 started, now 22 remain. Episode two sees recruits under the command of former Israeli YAMAM operative Itay Gil. He is looking for strong leadership under extreme pressure.
Israeli YAMAM operative Itay Gil takes control of episode two.
The Yamam is capable of both hostage-rescue operations and offensive take-over raids against targets in civilian areas. Besides military duties, it also performs SWAT duties and undercover police work.
The Yamam was established in late 1974 after the Ma’alot massacre, where a failed operation by military special forces units resulted in 21 children being murdered before the hostage takers were killed. Since hostage rescue in friendly territory is different from that in hostile areas, it was decided to establish an elite civilian force, which develops and practices a special CQB (Close Quarters Battles) doctrine for “counter-terrorism” operations in friendly territory and hostage rescue.
Recruits struggle with holding their weapons in a stress test. Photo: BBC
Brutal challenges result in hospitalisation and failure. Recruits get up close and personal with Israeli self defence system Krav Maga, strive to remove a Land Rover from a mud pit with their bare hands and are pushed beyond their physical limits in a punishing weight bearing race.
Only the strongest in body and mind will make it through to the next 48 hours of Special Forces: Ultimate Hell Week.
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