Check Out Special Ops Forces Rescuing Tampa Mayor in Hostage Situation (Relax, It's a Simulation)

U.S. and International Special Operations Forces descended on Tampa, Florida, Wednesday and had a mission — to rescue Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who was being held hostage by pirates as part of a complex simulated drill.

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All while large crowds watched.

Image source: YouTube

Image source: YouTube

During the exercise at International Special Operations Forces Week 2016, soldiers rappelled from helicopters, fired off countless rounds, zig zagged down a river in gunboats — and even had real people playing casualties on the ground.

Image source: YouTube

Image source: YouTube

Among the personnel involved were Navy SEALs, Marine Raiders and Army Green Berets, the Washington Post reported, adding that countries such as Ireland and Jordan took part as well.

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"This is maybe a stark reminder that there are young men and women out there putting themselves at risk," U.S. Special Forces Lt. Col. Chris Robeshaw told the Post after the exercise.

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Here's how the Post described what transpired after Buckhorn was rescued:

For the faux mission’s finale, a rescued Buckhorn was ferried back to shore, firing one of the riverine craft’s blank-shooting .50-caliber machine guns as if he were Rambo incarnate, a smile plastered on his face while being flanked by some of the United States’ most elite war fighters.

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Check it out:

(H/T: Daily Mail)