The mountains in Northeast Afghanistan were anything but forgiving. Beyond being remote, they were devoid of any tactical advantages for either side. Wide open spaces that provided no cover ensured that there would be losses on either side should tactical mistakes be made. Luckily for those under her command, she wasn't in the business of making mistakes.
Having decided that the cover of night was the best time to run the op, she had gathered the team a mile from the starting point. Two and a half miles later they were in position on the ridge of a mountain range. Five unit members had circled the house in anticipation of her command to strike but the radio remained silent. The only noise on that ridge was the soft smacking of her lips as she chewed a toothpick to death.
Left eye was pressed firmly to the scope of the rifle as she slowly moved it back and forth between the windows of the small building. A photo of the target sat on the rock next to where the legs of the rifle were seated. If the target was there, he was as good as dead but if the fuss could minimal - all the better. Glancing down to the photo then back up at the scope, her right thumb pressed down firmly on the button in her hand.
"All units, this is Foxtrot ... target confirmed for the Westernmost room. Smoke the front entry then move in, two enemy guards on post near the front door. Proceed when I send the package."
The communication button was released as she moved her hand back to the rifle. Angling the cross hairs over the targets forehead, her finger squeezed the trigger. The muzzle flash was minimal and a moment later she saw the man fall to the floor. Before his guards could even make to his side they were lost in smoke before being promptly dispatched. Collecting the rifle and the photo, she was soon on her way to the building.
A casual pace carried her down the side of the ridge and across the dirt road to the structure. Taking the time to enjoy the cool night air, she reached into one of her pockets before producing a cigar which was promptly lighted and held to her lips. Smoking wasn't a habit she intended to keep but it helped calm the nerves and that was good enough. By the time she reached the front entryway, she could smell the blood before she saw it splattered on the wall.
Her unit was well trained so most of the cleanup had already begun, a positive ID confirmed that the night was a success. Waiting near the front door, she finished the remainder of the cigar before lining up several more on the half wall bordering the property. Placing her lighter atop the cigars, she took one last look into the structure before walking towards the road, curious to see if their transport was visible yet. Eyes remained settled on the same ridge she had just been perched on as she heard the soft whir of a helicopter in the distance.
"Evac is inbound, move your asses out here and smoke these before they get here. Oh and by the way - Merry Christmas, assholes."
tangentwithtanner
ellievsbear
snowghoul
