Operation Anthropoid: Assassination of Nazi Security Chief and “Butcher of Prague” Reinhard Heydrich

Operation Anthropoid was the daring World War II mission carried out by Czechoslovak resistance fighters to assassinate senior Nazi leader Reinhard Heydrich in occupied Prague. Operation Anthropoid was a World War II mission in which Czechoslovak resistance fighters Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš targeted senior Nazi official Reinhard Heydrich. In 1939, Nazi Germany took control of Czechoslovakia, transforming the region into the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. Over time, the occupation became increasingly controlled and closely monitored, particularly after the arrival of Reinhard Heydrich, a senior official tasked with enforcing authority and maintaining order. His administration reshaped daily life and placed the region under intense supervision. Amid this environment, the Czechoslovak government-in-exile, working alongside British partners, began preparing a carefully planned mission. Known as Operation Anthropoid, it aimed to demonstrate that resistance within the occupied territory remained active and determined. Two soldiers, Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš, were selected for the task and trained extensively before being deployed into their homeland in late 1941. After landing under difficult circumstances, the agents relied on a network of local supporters to move through the country and gather information. Over several months, they observed Heydrich’s movements and prepared for a decisive moment. In May 1942, they carried out their operation in Prague, an event that would resonate far beyond the city itself. The consequences were immediate and far-reaching, affecting communities across the region and drawing international attention. Despite the risks and sacrifices involved, the operation marked a turning point in how the occupation was perceived abroad. It demonstrated that organised resistance continued within the Protectorate and influenced the political standing of Czechoslovakia among Allied nations. Today, Operation Anthropoid is remembered not only as a military action, but as a moment that shaped the broader narrative of resistance during the war.This episode is part of the series Battles & Operations of World War II.Watch the full documentary and explore hundreds of historical films at:WorldHistory.tv