The Secret Trap that Annihilated Iraq’s Entire Navy
On January 30, 1991, after a powerful day-long assault by coalition forces, Saddam Hussein’s already small navy faced devastating losses. Fearing complete annihilation, Saddam ordered all remaining Iraqi vessels to flee toward Iran as fast as possible. After a day of teamwork, the coalition forces, now a well-oiled machine, were operating with precision and unity, in addition to their undeniable air and naval superiority. In the tense waters between Bubiyan Island and the Shatt al-Arab marshlands, a Royal Navy Lynx helicopter soared low, its radar picking up suspicious blips. Near the coast, braving the threat of enemy missiles, the crew spotted its prey—a fast-attack craft. With a swift maneuver, the helicopter locked onto its target, and just four feet above the waves, the crew launched a powerful Sea Skua missile, streaking out right onto the Iraqi vessel. The outcome was inevitable. This was the Battle of Bubiyan Island, soon to be known as the Bubiyan Turkey Shoot. Credit to : Dark Seas