The countdown for the release of Special Ops: Lioness has begun as the much-awaited action-thriller will be released on Paramount+ on July 23, 2023. From creator Taylor Sheridan, Special Ops: Lioness ha become the talk of the town after Barbie, Oppenheimer courtesy of its star cast and the true story of the movie. Talking about Starcast, Special Ops: Lioness features Zoe Saldana as Joe, Nicole Kidman as Kaitlyn Meade, Laysla De Oliveira as Cruz Manuelos, Morgan Freeman as Edwin Mullins, and more in the leading roles. Talking about Zoe Saldana's character of Joe- she is the station chief of the Lioness program and is responsible for training, managing, and leading the female undercover operatives. Special Ops: Lioness revolves around a female Marine Raider who is recruited by the CIA to befriend the daughter of a notorious terrorist in order to assassinate the terrorist and prevent another 9/11. Now, the question arises whether Special Ops: Lioness is a true story or Special Ops: Lioness is a real story or not? To know the answer continue reading-
Is Special Ops: Lioness a true story?
The answer is a big yes. Special Ops: Lioness is a true story based on the teams of female Marines, dubbed Task Force Lioness created by the Marine Corps to contend with women who could potentially be used in terrorist attacks. Task Force Lioness was created so that the US Marine Corps get closer access to women involved in potential terrorist plots. Male Marines were reluctant to search women in Islamc countries like Iraq and Afghanistan and therefore, Task Force Lioness was indeed the need of the hour. It i pertinent to mention here that Task Force Lioness are well documented in the USA, there Sheridan's how is totally inspired by real events. Continue reading below to the more about Task Force Lioness-
What was real Task Force Lioness?
Going by a report published by the United States Marine Corps, Team Lioness refers to the female US Army who were used to respect local customs regarding the prohibition of men touching or searching local women during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Team Lioness, considered one of the forerunners of the now official FETs (Female Engagement Teams), went out and distributed information to local women and families and gathered intelligence. A typical Lioness team was comprised of two partners: a searcher and a “guardian angel” responsible for protecting the searcher. Reportedly, teams would search around 90-100 women every day. Items discovered during these searches included weapons, large sums of cash, anti-American propaganda, and photographs of U.S. military sites. Due to this gathered intelligence, Task Force Lioness evaded multiple unhgeard attacks on the US army and its bases. This is the reason why Task Force Lioness was called a success by the United States of America.
Real vs Reel: Is Oppenheimer a true story based on 'father of nuclear bomb' J. Robert Oppenheimer?
Notably, the task Force filled with American women was temporary. As per reports, Iraqi women were recruited and trained to conduct searches. This helped make the search process even more acceptable to local women, who could feel uncomfortable interacting with American women who didn’t speak their language nor have a full understanding of their culture. One such group of local women who conducted security searches in Iraq was called the Sisters of Fallujah. This group worked alongside US Army to help prevent bombings and other attacks.
Watch Trailer