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Afghanistan
Taliban Group that Downed the SEALs Killed
2011-08-10
Small consolation, but still better they are martyrs than living inspiration.
An American airstrike has killed the Taliban fighters believed responsible for shooting down a Chinook helicopter, killing 38 people including 30 American military personnel, the senior commander in Afghanistan said Wednesday.

A group of insurgents, numbering fewer than 10, were together as the location was hit by an F-16 strike, General Allen said. The airstrike occurred Sunday night onto Monday, Pentagon officials said.

A press statement released by the military headquarters in Kabul said the airstrike killed a Taliban leader named Mullah Mohibullah, who was part of the group that shot down the helicopter and subsequently escaped. Pentagon officials said he was not the primary leader of the insurgent network who had been the target of the first mission.

The statement said that security forces "located and followed the insurgents to a wooded area in Chak district. After ensuring no civilians were in the area, the force called for the airstrike which resulted in the deaths of the Mullah Mohibullah, the shooter, and several of their Taliban associates."
Posted by:Glenmore

#10  AL-QAEDA-IN-GAZA Boyz???

* ION FOX NEWS AL > US ISAF SPOX = indic that the SEALS Chopper was shot down while trying to prevent a group of Insurgent fighters, ostensib TALIBAN, from escaping [blocking force].

IIUC, IOW the US Army Rangers etal. at risk were winning their fight.

OTHER > Evidence collected thus far is leaning toward the possibility that the Chopper may had been struck by TWO OR MORE RPGS IN TARGETED/DEDIC MASS FIRE = VOLLEY FIRE, by definition implying that MULTIPLE TALIBAN SHOOTERS WERE INVOLVED, NOT ONE. THE SITE INVESTIGATION = EVIDENCE COLLECTION, HOWEVER, IS STILL ONGOING + INCOMPLETE.

AFAIK Afghan INTEL are still claiming it was a Taliban "trap"???

In a combat situation, where risk of death is present, even the "Best of the Best" can make a dangerous "tripwire" lapse of judgement.
Posted by: JosephMendiola   2011-08-10 20:39  

#9  Like to know if the LZ was prepped and, if not, why not.
Posted by: Richard Aubrey   2011-08-10 18:31  

#8  Zhang Fei, there was an article recently which reported Israel was developing a system similar to Trophy but without all the bits flying about, apparently they do not make friends with a helicopter. Maybe that laser system will get up soon.

Rest brave men, who answered the call and gave their all, and those who may learn, learn well from this.

And the sumbitch they were after better realize that for the rest of eternity he will rest only one more time, and it will not be in peace.

(puts a vote mark up next to Wiskey Mikes suggestion)
Posted by: swksvolFF   2011-08-10 17:05  

#7  PJTatler had an article this am. You can contribute $10 to a fund to provide college education to orphans of Seals.

Text SEAL to 90999.
Posted by: Mercutio   2011-08-10 14:51  

#6  It seems to me that it's time to take a good hard look at whether Israel's Trophy system can be mounted onto choppers. Yes, the added weight would probably mean a smaller number of troops can be ferried around, but incidents like this might be avoided.
Posted by: Zhang Fei   2011-08-10 14:32  

#5  From what I have seen, SEALS (and Deltas) are very methodical, level-headed, intelligent, and hugely into planning ahead. Might be some hooyah moments on the ground. :) Low likelihood of mindless pursuit.

Me, I want to see Arc Light action on the network that did this. I may suffer from pursuit desire.
Posted by: Whiskey Mike   2011-08-10 12:43  

#4  Thanks Anguper. All valid points. Within the community, ST tragedies are sadly, all too common. Granada, Panama, etc. Link I hope the investigation does not determine there was a Hooah factor, which threw caution to the wind in favour of.... "let's go GET SOME!"
Posted by: Besoeker   2011-08-10 11:48  

#3  Scuttlebutt from unnamed informed sources - Wash. Times.
Posted by: Anguper Hupomosing9418   2011-08-10 11:28  

#2  They are saying the target of the original raid escaped but are not saying who it was. Who's that important? (nobody!) Also omitted in my clip was that even this strike could not be carried out until we ascertained there were no civilians at risk.
Posted by: Glenmore   2011-08-10 11:20  

#1  Too bad ISAF could not have conducted an "air strike" to secure the LZ prior to the tragic INFIL.

Pentagon officials said he was not the primary leader of the insurgent network who had been the target of the first mission.

Mullah Mohibullah was it? Mullah is an honorariam, not a name. They change names as often as people in the west change undergarments. And just how do we know this piece of haji kak was the shooter? Names mean phueching NOTHING! Ok, so what was he doing there, just passing through and awaiting a helo target of opportunity?

Sorry Kabul, no closure for me. The entire story please, along with why the Task Force sent 10% of ST6 into a hot LZ as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF).

Posted by: Besoeker   2011-08-10 11:12  

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