What is Extortion 17?
Definition and Background
Extortion 17 is a significant incident in the War on Terror, involving a U.S. military aircraft, a Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopter, which was shot down on August 6, 2011, in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. The tragedy resulted in the loss of 30 American and Afghan service members, including 22 Navy SEALs, who were part of SEAL Team Six, also known as DEVGRU (Development Group), an elite special operations unit.
What Happened
The incident occurred during Operation Crimson Scorpion, a counter-terrorism mission aimed at targeting a Taliban leader, Maulvi Nazir. The helicopter was part of a three-aircraft package, transporting the SEAL team to the target location. As the Chinook descended, it was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), fired by insurgents, likely Taliban or Haqqani Network fighters.
Who Was on Board
The 30 fatalities included:
- 22 Navy SEALs from DEVGRU (Development Group), SEAL Team Six
- 5 Army National Guardsmen from the 82nd Airborne Division
- 2 Air Force Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) personnel
- 1 Afghan pilot
- 1 interpreter
Aftermath
The incident sparked a wave of controversy and criticism, with many questioning the U.S. military’s handling of the operation and the circumstances surrounding the loss of so many lives. The Taliban took responsibility for the attack, claiming it was a response to U.S. and NATO aggression in Afghanistan.
Investigation and Inquiries
Multiple investigations were conducted to determine the circumstances of the crash. These included:
- The Army’s Initial Incident Investigation Report, which attributed the crash to the RPG strike and criticized the decision to fly the helicopter at a low altitude
- The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) investigation, which examined the remains of the crash victims and determined that all fatalities were killed in the crash
- The Defense Department’s Inspector General (IG) report, which criticized the Pentagon’s handling of the investigation and recommended improvements in future crash investigations
Consequences and Legacy
Extortion 17 had significant consequences and a lasting impact on the War on Terror and the U.S. military:
- Operation Neptune Spear, the mission to kill Osama bin Laden, was delayed by several days due to the loss of the SEAL team members
- The incident led to increased scrutiny of the U.S. military’s drone strike program and the use of armed drones in combat zones
- Extortion 17 served as a stark reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by U.S. service members and their families in the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and beyond
Table: Key Facts about Extortion 17
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | August 6, 2011 |
| Location | Wardak Province, Afghanistan |
| Aircraft | Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopter |
| Crew/Fatalities | 30, including 22 Navy SEALs, 5 Army National Guardsmen, 2 Air Force TACP personnel, 1 Afghan pilot, and 1 interpreter |
| Cause of Crash | RPG strike |
| Investigation | Conducted by Army, JPAC, and Defense Department’s IG |
| Legacy | Delayed Operation Neptune Spear, increased scrutiny of drone strike program, and highlighted risks and sacrifices of U.S. service members |
Conclusion
Extortion 17 was a devastating incident that highlights the dangers and uncertainties of war. The loss of so many lives serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the sacrifices made by U.S. service members and their families. The incident also underscores the need for continued vigilance and adaptation in the War on Terror, as well as the importance of transparent and thorough investigations into incidents of this nature.
