Books & more: Summit meeting in Astan

On March 2, 2002, the Americans launched Operation Anaconda: The Shah-i-Kot Valley was to be searched and concentrations of al-Qaeda and Taliban found there were to be destroyed. Part of the concept was to occupy certain peaks as observation posts from where air strikes could be directed. Takur Ghar is the highest mountain in the area. A seven-man Navy SEAL reconnaissance team was supposed to occupy it. However, as their Chinook helicopter approached for landing, they unexpectedly came under heavy fire: the summit was occupied by the enemy! The helicopter - severely hit - took off again, and SEAL Neil Roberts fell just before the landing from the rear hatch because he had already unfastened himself and fought for his life against suspected al-Qaeda fighters. "Roberts Ridge" is a well-told report that tries to recount what happened on the mountain that day. It confirms the truth that no plan survives first contact with the enemy. Especially not when no enemy is expected. Despite drones and satellites, the Americans did not expect a hostile camp on the mountain. Communication didn't work as it should, so a second helicopter with Rangers was sent to rescue the SEAL. But they didn't know they were entering a hot landing zone. After the first Chinook had to make an emergency landing near Takur Ghar, the second helicopter was shot down right on the mountain (see below: the painting by an American artist that is supposed to recreate the scene). The Rangers fought for the summit and for their lives, a third Chinook with more Rangers landed further away from the summit. The soldiers faced a tough climb to come to the aid of their besieged comrade.

"Roberts Ridge: A Story of Courage and Sacrifice on Takur Ghar Mountain, Afghanistan" by Malcolm MacPherson has 384 pages, published by Dell, and costs 5.37 Euros.