Chapter 7 – Missions in Kandahar
It was early 2002, and the conflict in Afghanistan was at its height. The war-torn country had become a staging ground for coalition forces from around the world, battling the Taliban insurgency and the growing influence of Al-Qaeda. The British SAS was already deeply involved in counter-terrorism operations, and Harry Potter, now a respected Trooper in Sabre A Squadron, was assigned to a long-term mission. Harry's team would be deployed to Kandahar for six months, one of the most dangerous and strategic regions of the country.
As soon as they arrived at the forward base, the intensity of the place became clear. Apache helicopters flew incessantly overhead, while explosions and gunfire echoed in the distance. Kandahar was the heart of the conflict in southern Afghanistan, and coalition forces were engaged in almost daily combat with the insurgents who dominated the area.
At the mission briefing, Harry and his squadmates were told that they would be working closely with DEVGRU, also known as SEAL Team 6, the US Navy's special operations unit. Coordination between the SAS and DEVGRU was crucial to the success of high-priority missions, and Harry knew that the next six months would be challenging. The British equivalent of DEVGRU was the SBS (Special Boat Service), but for this mission, the elite ground-based SAS and American operators would be teaming up for a series of operations.
The first mission was not long in coming. One of the Taliban's regional leaders, responsible for coordinated attacks against coalition forces, had been located in a village about 60 kilometers from Kandahar. The operation involved a nighttime infiltration to capture or eliminate the target before he could escape into the mountains, where he would be impossible to track.
Harry and his team, along with DEVGRU, were transported to the area of operations in MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The air was thick with the tension of the mission. In the helicopter, Harry mentally reviewed the plan of attack. He had become an expert in intelligence and interrogation, but now more than ever, his CQB (Close Quarters Combat) expertise and battlefield accuracy would be tested.
The mission leader, a veteran DEVGRU operator named Commander Richards, gave the final instructions. "Remember, our objective is to capture the target alive, if possible. But if he puts up resistance, we have the green light to neutralize him. Keep communication and cover each other."
Harry exchanged quick glances with his SAS and DEVGRU comrades. They had trained together in the previous weeks, and the camaraderie between the British and Americans was already established. There was mutual respect, and everyone knew they could count on each other's skills.
The infiltration went as planned. Sabre A Squadron, along with the DEVGRU operators, moved silently through the darkened village, moving with precision. Harry, positioned on the front line with his rifle, moved from house to house, inspecting the buildings and checking for possible enemy hiding places.
"Move forward," whispered the DEVGRU operator next to Harry, pointing to a larger building in the center of the village. Intelligence indicated that the target might be there.
Harry gestured to his team, and they quickly moved into position. Commander Richards led the approach, with Harry covering the entrance. Once the door was breached, the operators moved fluidly, sweeping the interior of the building. The space was cramped, with walls and partitions, making hand-to-hand combat imminent.
Inside the building, the Taliban leader was located, hiding in a room on the upper floor. As the SAS and DEVGRU operators surrounded him, he resisted, drawing a pistol. In a split second, the fight erupted. Harry, calm under pressure, was the first to react, firing a well-aimed shot that disarmed the man without killing him.
"Target captured," Harry announced over the radio, his voice steady.
The mission was completed successfully. The insurgent leader was taken in for questioning, and the operation was hailed as a triumph. Senior officers praised both DEVGRU and the SAS for their precise execution of the mission, and Harry began to realize that despite the hardships and dangers, he was where he was supposed to be. The war was brutal, but the sense of accomplishment was unmatched.
Over the next few months, Harry and his team took part in numerous combat operations in and around Kandahar. The collaboration with DEVGRU grew stronger, and missions ranged from infiltration into enemy territory, hostage rescue operations, and the elimination of insurgent leaders. Harry's time in the SAS had prepared him well for these moments, but his battlefield experience shaped him even more.
One of the most critical missions occurred in a small mountain town near Kandahar. Reports indicated that al-Qaeda had established a base there, and the coalition was determined to dismantle it. The operation would be risky, as the city was heavily guarded by insurgents who used underground tunnels and improvised booby traps.
Commander Richards, ever calm and pragmatic, called Harry in to plan the mission.
"Potter, you have experience in intelligence and interrogation. We want you to be our intelligence gathering point during this operation. We need to know where the tunnels are and the escape routes. We are counting on you."
Harry accepted the responsibility without hesitation. He knew that the right information could mean the difference between success and failure of the mission.
During the assault on the city, Harry led the intelligence gathering, interrogating captured prisoners and coordinating with analysts at headquarters. His ability to extract information, combined with his ability to fight side by side with his teammates, made him a valuable asset to the team. Under enemy fire, he excelled, making quick and accurate decisions that saved lives.
The mission was a success, with the Al-Qaeda base destroyed and control of the area returned to coalition forces. Sabre A Squadron and DEVGRU were commended for their bravery and effectiveness, and Harry once again proved himself to be a reliable and highly capable operator.
The six months in Kandahar were exhausting, both physically and mentally, but Harry knew that each mission was essential. He had learned a great deal, not just about combat, but about himself and his capabilities. When the deployment came to an end, Harry returned to the UK with a new perspective — he was no longer just a Trooper; he was a warrior forged in the heat of battle, ready to face whatever came next.
Now, with his experience in the SAS and his skills in intelligence and combat, Harry knew that his role in the war was only just beginning.
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