SAS hero who raced into Kenyan hotel during terror atrocity to ‘receive George Cross’
THE SAS hero who sprang into action during the Nairobi hotel terror attack is set to receive the George Cross, sources have claimed.
Nairobi attack: SAS soldier storms into Kenyan hotel
The soldier was off-duty when he raced to the DusitD2 five-star hotel in Kenya’s capital after Islamist terrorists stormed the complex on Tuesday. Hundreds of guests were trapped during the terrifying 20-hour siege by Somali militant group al-Shabaab which left at least 21 people dead, including one Briton.
But a senior military source has revealed that the SAS soldier - who is not being named due to Ministry of Defence protocol - will be recommended for the George Cross for his bravery.
The source told The Telegraph: “This man has shown remarkable bravery. He has saved dozens of lives.
“You can fully expect him to receive one of the highest gallantry awards and most likely the George Cross. It won’t be announced. It will be given to him secretly.”
The George Cross is awarded for “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger”. It is second only to the Victoria Cross.
An insider told The Sun that the hero soldier was training Kenyan forces when the siege kicked off.
The source said: “He was training Kenyan forces when the shout went up, so he went in. British Special Forces always run towards the sound of gunfire.
“He fired off rounds during the operation. It’s a safe bet he hit his target - the SAS don’t miss. There’s no doubt his actions saved lives.”
Pictures show the SAS trooper, who is wearing a balaclava, risking his life by entering the hotel to rescue civilians.
Witness Lucy Njeri said: “He carried out one of the wounded, then went back and did that again.
“There was a lot of confusion, a lot of people running around, but he stood out. He was very brave.”
But the hero is reportedly leaving the country over fears for his safety.
A source told Mail Online: “For his own safety he is leaving the country as he could be tracked down. His safety is paramount.”