Then,shortly after sunset on April twelfth, Navy special operations forces feared that Captain Phillips' life was in immediate danger.

VOA: special.2009.05.27

Speaking to reporters Friday, Secretary Gates would not be drawn publicly into the debate over whether the troop-intensive counterinsurgency strategy is best or whether a more limited commitment involving air strikes and Special Forces operations would be better.

VOA: standard.2009.10.23

In this context, the United States has deployed U.S. combat-equipped forces to assist in enhancing the counterterrorism capabilities of our friends and allies, including special operations and other forces for sensitive operations in various locations around the world.

WHITEHOUSE: Letter from the President -- War Powers Resolution

In this context, the United States has deployed U.S. combat-equipped forces to assist in enhancing the CT capabilities of our friends and allies, including special operations and other forces for sensitive operations in various locations around the world.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

It is unclear that the eastern rebels could play the role of the Afghan Northern Alliance, whose forces had considerable combat experience such that only modest special operations forces and air support were needed to dislodge the Taliban (or, rather, force them to retreat) in late 2001 through early 2002.

FORBES: Europe And The Endgame Scenarios For Intervention In Libya