Chapter 36 – Rescue in Kirkuk
The C-130 Hercules' engine roared as it sliced through the dark sky over northern Iraq. The mission was simple on paper, but complex in execution—a group of American hostages were being held by ISIS militants in a fortified compound in Kirkuk, and Delta Force C Squadron was tasked with rescuing them.
Grant checked his HK416 rifle, ensuring the magazine was locked properly. His tactical gear was adjusted, every pouches and attachment in place. Beside him, the other four operators were doing their own checks.
"Final check, everyone," said the Staff Sergeant, the team leader. His nom de guerre was "Reaper."
The other operators responded quickly:
"Ghost, ready."
"Viper, ready."
"Cine, ready," Grant replied.
"Frost, ready."
The radio crackled, and the voice of the TOC (Tactical Operations Center) came through clearly:
"Team, we're 10 minutes from the LZ. Last update: We estimate 15 to 20 hostiles in the compound. Hostages are being held on the second floor of the main structure."
Grant exchanged glances with the others. The mission would require absolute precision.
The C-130 approached the infiltration point, and the team jumped in a HALO (High Altitude, Low Opening) jump, diving into the dark sky before deploying their parachutes a few thousand feet above the ground. The landing was silent.
Moving quickly, the squad advanced toward the observation point overlooking the compound. Using thermal binoculars, Grant scanned the structure.
"We have at least three armed sentries on the roof, two at the main entrance, and more movement inside the courtyard."
Reaper analyzed the data and murmured into the radio:
"Ghost, Viper, secure the roof. Cine, Frost, follow me to the main entrance. We'll go in quietly, grab the hostages, and get out."
Ghost and Viper mounted their MK11 sniper rifles and took position.
"Target marked. On my shot," Ghost whispered.
"Three... two... one... fire."
The two sentries on the roof fell instantly. No sound other than the soft impact of their bodies on the ground.
Now, it was time to move.
Infiltration and Enemy Contact
The team quickly approached the entrance. Grant felt his heart race as he held the HK416 tightly.
Viper placed a silent explosive in the door lock.
"Ready to open."
Reaper nodded.
"Go."
The tiny explosion opened the door, and the team entered. Inside, the sound of Arab voices echoed through the hallway. Two militants came to check the noise.
Grant raised his gun and fired two controlled shots—both fell before understanding what had happened.
The advance continued swiftly, cleanly, and efficiently.
On the second floor, the team found three hostages bound and blindfolded.
Grant quickly checked their pulses.
"Americans confirmed."
But before they could get them out, the radio crackled with a worrying message from Ghost:
"Movement in the courtyard! They're alert!"
The time for stealth was up.
Reaper immediately radioed for air support:
"CAS (Close Air Support), we need a diversionary strike on the east side of the compound."
Seconds later, an A-10 Warthog roared overhead and unleashed a burst of 30mm rounds on the militants.
That was their cue to leave.
"Come on, now!"
The team left with the hostages, moving quickly toward the extraction point.
Grant held his weapon tightly, protecting their flanks as they ran. Behind them, explosions lit up the compound.
The extraction helicopter, an MH-60 Black Hawk, appeared on the horizon.
Frost helped the hostages board while Grant and Reaper held off the remaining enemy with precise fire.
"All in! Let's get out of here!"
The Black Hawk took off as bullets whizzed through the air. Mission accomplished.
Grant looked at the hostages, now safe. Another successful mission for C Squadron.
Happy new year. I hope you all have an excellent new year, and that in the coming year you achieve everything you want.
[email protected]/SHADOWGHOST07
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