Sawyer and Juliet ambushed, Locke saves the day

Sawyer and Juliet try to make their way to the creek to meet the other survivors when we see some guys creeping through the jungle, much like the others in season 2. They are all in uniforms that resemble the ones worn by mid-20th century US Army or National Guard soldiers. While the one named Cunningham grabs Juliet and another name Mattingly holds a knife to Sawyer's neck. The third man named Jones speaks with a British accent and is holding an M1 Garand which was standard issue for US troops between 1936 and 1963. Jones asks "What are you doing on our island?" After a break in the story, we come back and Jones orders them to tell him "What you're doing, how many of you there are and how you got here." He orders Mattingly to cut off one of Juliet's hands to show they're serious and the other one if they don't talk. Jones is extremely serious and unwilling to negotiate.

Locke hits Mattingly with a rock before he cuts off Juliet's hand and then hits Jones with a rock too. Sawyer tackles Cunningham and Juliet grabs Jones' gun. Before Mattingly can attack someone with his mechete he get a knife in the side courtesy of Locke. Locke strides out of the jungle and we see the shot of the knife in Mattingly that is very similar to the shot of the knife in Naomi's back from season 4.

So what time is this? The last time we saw the island skip was when Daniel was talking to Desmond. It would appear to be in the past, but further back in the past this time, possibly pre-Dharma. The military info above which is from Lostpedia would indicate maybe the 1950s or 60s. I guess we'll have to wait to find out more.

Each screen capture is show in original form and enhanced since the scene was so dark.