Operation Red Wings: A Tragic Tale of Sacrifice
Operation Red Wings was a military operation conducted by the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), also known as SEAL Team Six, in the mountains of Afghanistan in June and July 2005. The operation was aimed at eliminating a group of high-ranking Taliban leaders, including the notorious Ahmad Shah, who was responsible for numerous attacks on coalition forces.
How Many Soldiers Died in Operation Red Wings?
Eight American soldiers died during Operation Red Wings, including four members of SEAL Team Six and four Army Rangers. This operation was one of the deadliest in the history of the US military in Afghanistan, and it has been dubbed "the most tragic incident in the war in Afghanistan" by the US Navy.
The Background
In June 2005, the US military received intelligence that Ahmad Shah and his Taliban fighters were hiding in the mountainous region of Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Shah was known for his ability to move undetected through the mountains, and his men were skilled in guerrilla warfare. The US military decided to launch a counterinsurgency operation to eliminate Shah and his followers.
The Operation
On June 28, 2005, a team of four SEALs from DEVGRU, led by Lieutenant Michael Murphy, was inserted into the mountains to conduct reconnaissance and gather intelligence on Shah’s location. The team, code-named "Red Wings," consisted of:
- Lieutenant Michael Murphy (30)
- Petty Officer Second Class Matthew Axelson (29)
- Petty Officer Second Class Danny Dietz (23)
- Petty Officer First Class Neil Roberts (29)
The SEALs established a base camp in a remote location and began conducting patrols to gather intelligence and engage with Taliban fighters.
The Ambush
On June 28, 2005, while conducting a patrol, the SEALs were ambushed by a large group of Taliban fighters. The SEALs called in air support, but due to bad weather and poor communication, the air support was delayed. The SEALs were forced to fight off the attackers, but they were vastly outnumbered and outgunned.
The Aftermath
The battle lasted for several hours, and despite their bravery, the SEALs were unable to hold off the Taliban fighters. Lieutenant Murphy was killed during the battle, and Petty Officer Axelson was gravely wounded. The two remaining SEALs, Dietz and Roberts, managed to escape and make their way back to their base camp.
However, while trying to escape, Petty Officer Roberts was killed by a Taliban fighter. His body was left behind in the mountains, and it would take several days for US forces to recover it.
The Rescue Attempt
On July 2, 2005, a team of Army Rangers, led by Captain Michael ‘Wit’ Haney, was inserted into the mountains to rescue the stranded SEALs. The rescue team, code-named "Rhinoceros," consisted of:
- Captain Michael ‘Wit’ Haney (30)
- Staff Sergeant Bradley Kasal (27)
- Sergeant First Class Kevin Myers (27)
- Sergeant First Class James H. Miller (26)
- Corporal Ryan T. Buckley (22)
- Corporal Jeremy R. Owen (23)
- Corporal Kipp R. Turco (22)
The rescue team was ambushed by the Taliban, and a fierce battle ensued. Captain Haney was killed during the battle, and several members of the rescue team were wounded.
The Losses
In total, eight American soldiers died during Operation Red Wings:
- Lieutenant Michael Murphy (SEAL Team Six)
- Petty Officer Second Class Matthew Axelson (SEAL Team Six)
- Petty Officer Second Class Danny Dietz (SEAL Team Six)
- Petty Officer First Class Neil Roberts (SEAL Team Six)
- Captain Michael ‘Wit’ Haney (Army Rangers)
- Staff Sergeant Bradley Kasal (Army Rangers)
- Sergeant First Class James H. Miller (Army Rangers)
- Corporal Ryan T. Buckley (Army Rangers)
Consequences
Operation Red Wings was a significant setback for the US military in Afghanistan, and it led to a re-evaluation of the tactics and strategies used in counterinsurgency operations. The operation highlighted the importance of effective communication, intelligence gathering, and air support in such operations.
Table: Timeline of Operation Red Wings
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 28, 2005 | SEAL Team Six inserts into Kunar Province to conduct reconnaissance |
| June 28, 2005 | Ambush of SEAL Team Six |
| June 29, 2005 | Air support delayed due to bad weather |
| July 2, 2005 | Army Rangers inserted to rescue stranded SEALs |
| July 2, 2005 | Ambush of Army Rangers |
Conclusion
Operation Red Wings was a tragic event that highlighted the bravery and sacrifice of American soldiers in Afghanistan. The operation resulted in the deaths of eight American soldiers, and it was a significant blow to the US military. The operation also led to a re-evaluation of tactics and strategies used in counterinsurgency operations, and it remains a significant chapter in the history of the US military in Afghanistan.
