Canadian sniper shatters world record with 2.2‑mile shot
The elite Canadian special unit, Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2), made history in 2017 by executing the longest confirmed sniper shot in military history. An ISIS fighter was eliminated from a distance of 2.2 miles. New information about this achievement is coming to light.
The record-breaking shot was fired in June 2017, when the JTF2 team was tasked with eliminating a fighter from the Islamic State (ISIS). The mission in Iraq was part of "Operation Impact," Canada's contribution to the international fight against ISIS.
The sniper, whose identity remains classified for security reasons, fired a McMillan TAC-50 sniper rifle from a high-rise building. The soldier made the shot from an astonishing distance of 2,182 yards, and it reached the target after 10 seconds. It was an incredible feat.
"The Command of Canadian Special Operations Forces confirms that a member of Joint Task Force 2 successfully hit the target from a distance of 2,182 yards. For operational security reasons and to protect our soldiers and Coalition partners, we will not disclose details regarding the time and method of conducting this operation," the Canadian Armed Forces stated in a press release.
The Globe and Mail also reported that "the elimination of the target was independently confirmed by the camera and other data." The shot interrupted an Islamic State attack on Iraqi security forces.
The Canadian sniper's record shot: New facts
To eliminate the target from such a distance requires almost otherworldly precision. When taking the shot, one must consider factors such as wind, gravity, and even the curvature of the Earth. Therefore, the sniper team used advanced ballistic software and wind gauges to ensure maximum accuracy.
That's not all; as the SOFREP service reports, the rifle was modified using special rails that allowed for proper barrel angle adjustment.
Surpassed the previous record by a kilometer
Finally, let's add that the Canadian sniper broke the previous world record held by British sniper Craig Harrison, who in 2009 eliminated a Taliban fighter from a distance of 1.5 miles.
Only a select few possess such incredible skills. It is also worth remembering another record holder from Finland. Simo Häyhä was the most effective shooter in history concerning the number of targets eliminated, reportedly shooting 505 Red Army soldiers with a sniper rifle during the so-called Winter War in 1939-1940. Häyhä had a telling nickname – "White Death."
