What was extortion 17?

What was Extortion 17?

The world was shaken to its core on August 6, 2011, when a Taliban suicide attack destroyed a Chinook helicopter, killing 30 Americans, including 22 members of the elite Navy SEAL Team Six, who were tasked with avenging the death of Osama bin Laden. The tragic event has become known as Extortion 17. In this article, we will delve into the circumstances surrounding this devastating attack and explore the significance of Extortion 17.

What is Extortion 17?

Extortion 17 was the call sign of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter that was conducting a mission in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. On that fateful day, the helicopter was carrying 38 personnel, including the 22 SEALs, who were on their way to a nighttime raid in the Tangi Valley.

The Attack

As the helicopter approached the intended landing site, it was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fired by a Taliban fighter. The aircraft struggled to stay aloft, but it was too damaged to continue flying. The helicopter crashed and exploded in a fireball, killing everyone on board. The attack was attributed to a Taliban commander, Ahmad Gul, who was later killed in a US drone strike.

Investigation and Controversy

An investigation into the attack was conducted by the US military, which found that the helicopter had been shot down by an RPG fired from the ground. However, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of the US military’s safety protocols and intelligence gathering before the mission. Some critics have argued that the mission was poorly planned and that the SEALs were put in harm’s way due to inadequate intelligence.

Who were the Victims?

The 30 Americans killed in the attack included:

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• 22 members of the elite Navy SEAL Team Six (DEVGRU)
• 6 Afghan National Army (ANA) commandos
• 1 US Army soldier

What was the Significance of Extortion 17?

The attack on Extortion 17 was a significant blow to the US military and had far-reaching consequences. The loss of 22 members of SEAL Team Six, who were considered among the best-trained and most skilled special operations forces in the world, was a major setback. The attack also highlighted the challenges of conducting nighttime raids in Afghanistan, where the enemy was well-trained and well-equipped.

Aftermath

The attack on Extortion 17 led to a review of US military safety protocols and intelligence gathering procedures. The US military also increased the use of drones and reconnaissance aircraft to gather intelligence and support ground operations.

Lessons Learned

The attack on Extortion 17 has led to several key lessons being learned:

• The importance of adequate intelligence: The attack highlights the need for accurate and timely intelligence to support ground operations.
• The need for better safety protocols: The loss of lives could have been prevented if the helicopter had been adequately protected or if the mission had been called off due to bad weather.
• The resilience of US special operations forces: Despite the devastating loss, the US military continues to prioritize special operations missions, recognizing their importance in achieving strategic objectives.

Conclusion

Extortion 17 was a tragic event that shocked the world and had far-reaching consequences for the US military. The attack serves as a reminder of the dangers and complexities of warfare, and the importance of learning from our mistakes. As we continue to confront the challenges of modern warfare, we must remember the sacrifices made by the 30 Americans who lost their lives on that fateful day.

Table: Extortion 17 Fatalities

Note: The table only lists the 30 Americans killed in the attack. The 6 Afghan National Army commandos and 1 US Army soldier who lost their lives are not included.