Operation Opus: The Secret Mercenary Mission Gone Wrong

Mercenaries utilize secrecy and special forces tactics to carry out covert operations.

Former military personnel are recruited for their skills, but their actions can involve criminal and immoral activities.

Mercenaries are an instrument that can be used for both humanitarian interventions and human rights atrocities.

The operation to overthrow a government involved the illegal purchase and transportation of weapons.

The investigation into the mercenaries revealed the involvement of a Maltese businessman and possible arms deals.

What was the objective of the mission?

—The objective was to help a Libyan warlord overthrow the internationally recognized government.

Who was Christian Durant?

—Christian Durant was a former air force fighter pilot and the chief executive of a consulting firm involved in private military contracting.

What charges did the mercenaries face?

—The mercenaries faced charges for breaching European sanctions and illegal transportation of weapons.

Were the mercenaries successful in their mission?

—No, the mission failed when the warlord discovered that the promised gunships had not arrived.

What were the consequences of the failed mission?

—The mercenaries were captured, investigated, and faced legal actions. The case also exposed the involvement of a Maltese businessman in illegal arms deals.

00:09In July 2019, a group of mercenaries fled across the Mediterranean after a failed operation to overthrow a Middle Eastern government.

00:26Mercenaries utilize secrecy and special forces tactics to carry out covert operations.

00:49Former military personnel are recruited for their skills, but their actions can involve criminal and immoral activities.

05:35The objective of the mission was to help a Libyan warlord overthrow the internationally recognized government.

12:23Christian Durant, a former air force fighter pilot, played a central role in planning the mission.

15:44The mission failed when the warlord discovered that the promised gunships had not arrived.

15:49The mercenaries were captured, investigated, and faced legal actions. The case exposed the involvement of a Maltese businessman in illegal arms deals.