Book excerpt: A comprehensive illustrated overview of the dynamic operations that have saved lives in hostage situations around the world. Based on strategies proven successful in numerous incidents, including the landmark SAS rescue at Prince’s Gate, London, and compiled by an author with intimate and practical knowledge of the field, this book explains why the success of a rescue is often determined in the hours leading up to confrontation. Once an incident is contained, a large share of the responsibility for a successful conclusion rests with the hostage negotiator, whose job is to save the lives of both hostage and hostage-taker. But if negotiations fail, it becomes necessary to send in the hostage-rescue team to resolve the situation by force and skill. Hostage Rescue Manual explains the complex factors that determine the entry methods undertaken by a team, with discussion of the pros and cons of stealth versus dynamic approaches, plus the significance of distraction in securing successful site entry. Operations in widely differing locations from nuclear power plants to airliners are detailed, as are the range of special weapons available to the men and women tackling each incident. We learn of the multiple roles played by participants, such as the use of snipers as intelligence sources. With vivid photographs and diagrams of rescue units in action, Hostage Rescue Manual is the complete reference work on counter-terrorist procedures all over the world. This revised edition updates the book with an entirely new section devoted to developments in hostage rescue, among them operations in Russia and Iraq, since first publication.