Battle of Mirbat

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It has been suggested that Talaiasi Labalaba be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

Battle of Mirbat

Date	July 19, 1972
Location	Mirbat, South Oman
Result	Decisive British victory

Combatants

British SAS

Communist rebels

Commanders

Mike Kealy

Strength

9 SAS soldiers (later reinforced by 23 more)

250 Adoo guerillas

Casualties

2 killed, 1 wounded

80+ killed

Mirbat Castle, site of the Battle of Mirbat

The Battle of Mirbat took place during the 1970s communist infiltration of Oman from South Yemen. Britain assisted the Oman government by sending elements of its Special Air Service to both train soldiers and compete against the Adoo guerillas for the "hearts and minds" of the Omani people.

At 6am on 19 July 1972 the Adoo retaliated against the British, sending 250 well-armed men against the isolated British Army Training Team (BATT) house near Mirbat (commanded by Captain Mike Kealy). Against overwhelming odds, the nine SAS soldiers stationed there resisted fiercely, holding the Adoo back for several hours until reinforcements could arrive. Defeated, the Adoo withdrew at about 12:30pm.

The 25 pounder gun, now known as the "Mirbat gun" which was used by Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba (a Fijian SAS soldier) during the siege is now housed in the Firepower museum of the Royal Artillery at the former Woolwich Arsenal. Sgt Labalaba was killed in action.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes alleged in his book 'The Feathermen' that Mike Kealy was murdered years later in the Brecon Beacons by an arab terrorist cell.