Aurra Studios produces a world-first documentary series about the SAS operations in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, told in their own words
SAS: The Shadow War is a high-quality documentary podcast produced by Aurra Studios in collaboration with The Independent Studio.
Involving audio and filmed interviews and hosted by World-Affairs Editor Sam Kiley, the eight-part series explores the British Special Forces’ covert actions against the IRA in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
It features rare, first-hand accounts from 15 former SAS soldiers and Intelligence (DET) operatives breaking their decades-long silence. Actual SAS veterans discuss real-world surveillance tactics, split-second shooting decisions, and high-stakes operations like the Iranian Embassy siege and the Gibraltar ambush.
Host Sam Kiley, World Affairs Editor for The Independent tackles difficult legal and moral questions, investigating the alleged state-sponsored “shoot-to-kill” policies and the ongoing lawfare veterans face today.
The series balances visceral storytelling with political impact prompting responses from UK government officials regarding the legal legacy and protection of Northern Ireland veterans. Within 24 hours of launch, Chris Bryant, The Secretary Of State for Northern Ireland responded to the issues raised in the podcast in a filmed interview with Sam Kiley in Whitehall.
The first few episodes are free to stream on major audio apps. The complete eight-part boxset is available immediately through subscription with The Independent.
The podcast series is hosted by Sam Kiley, Producer Will Aslett, Editor and Sound Designer Keith English and Line Producer Claire Cottrell. The Executive Producer for Aurra Studios is Mark Popkiewicz. Executive Producers for The Independent Studios are Olivia Foster and Rod Ardehali.