Military Training Aids Jailbreak: Daniel Khalife Escapes with Army Skills
In a daring escape reminiscent of Hollywood thrillers, Daniel Khalife, a 21-year-old Londoner accused of espionage for Iran, has made a dramatic getaway from Wandsworth Prison. What sets this escape apart? Khalife, it turns out, possesses specialist military training acquired during his time in the Army.
Army Lessons in Evasion and Escape
Khalife’s escape from custody brings to light a surprising detail from his past. During his stint at Blandford Barracks with the Royal Signals, he received training in evading capture and escaping tricky situations. This specialist training, known as SERE (Survive, Evade, Resist and Escape), equips individuals with skills to navigate dangerous scenarios successfully.
A Chef’s Uniform and a Daring Plan
So, how did Khalife execute his audacious getaway? While working in the prison’s kitchen, he hatched a bold plan. Dressed in his chef’s uniform, he attached himself to the underside of a food delivery lorry. This ingenious maneuver allowed him to slip away from the confines of Wandsworth Prison unnoticed.
The Inside Job Speculation
Authorities are now pondering whether this escape was an inside job. Sir Mark Rowley, Britain’s highest-ranking police officer, has raised concerns about possible collaboration from within the prison. Ex-inmates have also weighed in, describing Wandsworth as a facility “riddled with corruption” and security as “virtually non-existent.”
A Troubled Past
Khalife’s journey to this point is a complex one. He joined the Army in 2019 but was discharged in May after facing accusations of planting a fake bomb at an RAF base and collecting information that could aid terrorists or foes of the UK.
Survival Skills in Action
Khalife’s SERE training included learning how to avoid populated areas, evade surveillance cameras, and stay off the grid while seeking refuge with friendly forces. These skills may now be aiding him in his evasion from law enforcement.
The Influence of an SAS Veteran
Interestingly, Khalife’s SERE training featured a one-hour video lecture from ex-SAS soldier Chris Ryan, renowned for his 1995 book “The One That Got Away.” While it’s just the basic course, these survival tactics could prove quite handy for a fugitive like Khalife.
The Enigma of Daniel Khalife
Former comrades recall Khalife as the “class clown” and a “competent but not exceptional soldier.” They describe him as smart, manipulative, and oddly trustworthy.
Questions and Investigations
The circumstances surrounding Khalife’s escape have raised serious questions. Jonathan Hall KC, the UK’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, wonders why someone accused of espionage wasn’t held in a more secure facility than Wandsworth. Meanwhile, Met Police chief Sir Mark has expressed doubts about the choice of prison for the on-remand terror suspect.
A Fugitive’s Path
Khalife’s escape involved attaching himself to a Bidfood lorry, using a strap made from a plastic mattress cover. He disappeared from Wandsworth Prison within minutes of the lorry’s departure, sparking a manhunt.
The Search Continues
Law enforcement initially focused their search on Richmond Park, but concerns remain that Khalife may have fled the country. Sightings and tips from the public have poured in, with Justice Secretary Alex Chalk ordering an independent inquiry into the escape.
Calls for Accountability
Steve Gillan, General Secretary of the Prison Officers’ Association, has criticized Wandsworth Prison’s under-staffing and resource shortages, suggesting these factors may have contributed to the escape. The latest inspection report on the jail underscores its overwhelmed state.
A Family in Silence
Khalife’s escape has left many questions unanswered. His parents, separated, have not spoken publicly about their son’s audacious getaway. The hunt for Daniel Khalife continues, as authorities work tirelessly to bring him back into custody.