In 1991, the United States and coalition forces liberated Kuwait after its brief occupation by Saddam Hussein's Iraqi army. One of the abiding memories of that conflict was the activities of the coalition's special forces soldiers deep in Iraq, hunting down SCUD missile launchers before Israel could be attacked. Since then, elite military units have played an increasingly important role in the world's armed forces. Special Forces Today recounts their operations over the last fifteen years. From the Gulf War to the 2003 invasion of Iraq'via the war in Afghanistan, the search for war criminals in the Balkans, the hunt for drug barons in South America, hostage rescues in Africa, and the counterterrorism initiatives since 9/11?the book discloses in detail the often clandestine activities of the world's elite soldiers.Illustrated with action photographs, Special Forces Today shows how these forces have become a vital part of any government's military machine and the roles they have played in recent world events. With an authoritative text and rare black-and-white and color photographs, the book is a highly illustrated guide to the recent operations of these most secretive'and successful'soldiers.