Full Breakdown
Allegations of Assassination Plot Involving Former Mercenary Daniel Corbett
4/6/2026, 6:39:57 AM
Overview of the Incident
Daniel Corbett, a former Special Forces commando and member of the mercenary unit Spear, was accused of plotting to assassinate Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Corbett was arrested in Belgrade in 2018 for possessing a firearm with a defaced serial number. Serbian authorities suggested that his presence in the country was linked to an assassination attempt, with President Vucic asserting that Corbett did not come “to shoot fish in the Danube.” However, in June 2019, Corbett was acquitted of all weapon-related charges due to insufficient evidence.
Background on Spear and Allegations
Spear, founded by Corbett's associates Abraham Golan and Issac Gilmore in 2015, has recently faced legal scrutiny. A lawsuit filed by a former member of the Yemeni House of Representatives alleges that the group attempted to kill him as part of a targeted assassination program sanctioned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The lawsuit claims that Golan and Gilmore created a "kill list" and recruited former U.S. military personnel, including Corbett, to execute these operations.
Details of the Assassination Attempt
The lawsuit details a specific assassination attempt on Anssaf Ali Mayo, a member of Yemen’s al-Islah party, which is opposed by the UAE. The plan involved detonating explosives at the al-Islah headquarters in Aden, followed by a ground assault on any survivors. Drone footage from December 2015 captured the explosion and subsequent gunfire, although Mayo escaped unharmed after being warned of the attack. He now lives in exile in Saudi Arabia, citing psychological trauma from the incident.
Official Statements & Responses
Corbett has publicly denied any intent to assassinate President Vucic. In a podcast interview, he recounted his arrest, stating that authorities initially believed he was there for a political assassination, which he refuted. Following his acquittal, he was ordered to leave Serbia. The members of Spear have not publicly commented on the current allegations, and Mayo has not been reachable for further statements.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Spear and its operations have raised concerns about the legality and morality of mercenary activities, particularly those involving targeted killings sanctioned by foreign governments. The allegations against Corbett and his associates have sparked discussions about accountability and the implications of private military contractors operating in conflict zones.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Corbett was acquitted of charges in Serbia, the circumstances surrounding his arrest and the subsequent allegations of assassination attempts remain contentious. The lawsuit against Spear presents a narrative of organized assassination efforts, yet the full extent of these claims and their veracity is still under investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was gonna try to open the door, throw a couple hand grenades, and then just go in there and shoot everyone,” — Dale Comstock, Former Member of Spear
- “'” He added: “He said ‘you’re here to assassinate the president,’ and I said ‘no’.” said the police officer to Corbett, who replied, “No.” — Daniel Corbett, Former Special Forces Commando
This situation continues to evolve as legal proceedings unfold and further details emerge regarding the activities of Spear and its members.
