This helmet cam footage, provided by IDF, shows members of the Yamam (also known as the National Counter-Terrorism Unit) as they conduct a hostage rescue in Rafah, Southern Gaza. This raid is described to have occurred in February of 2024.

Yamam was founded in 1974, as a response to lessons learned in the Ma'alot massacre, wherein Sayeret Matkal, Israel's Tier 1 Special Operations unit, failed a hostage rescue attempt. 21 children were killed, along with the hostage takers. While Sayeret Matkal is one of the best SF units in the world, they were not specialized to deal with situations like Ma'alot. This led to the formation of a unit almost specifically devoted to hostage rescue, with specific CQB tactics, techniques and doctrine. Given that all applicants to Yamam must have completed 3 years in the IDF, and most are from IDF Recon and SF units, it can be said that Yamam represents the top percent of IDF soldiers. A selection of 1500 can expect a wash-out/failure rate of almost 99 percent.

Although Yamam is primarily intended to operate within Israel's borders, here we see them working to rescue a pair of hostages in Southern Gaza.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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