Nowhere to Hide: The Growing Threat to Air Bases
Abstract
Wearing US Army uniforms, the attackers penetrated the air base s defenses under the cover of night. Armed with rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and suicide vests, the 14-man team began its deadly mission against an air base in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, jointly manned by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization s (NATO) International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Hours of combat ensued, and the morning light revealed the destruction of six AV-8B Harrier jets and damage to two other aircraft; additionally, six aircraft hangers [sic] suffered damage, and six refueling stations were destroyed. In the aftermath, 14 insurgents and two US Marines lay dead while eight coalition military members and one contractor were wounded. In September 2012, this insurgent operation constituted the most successful ground attack against NATO s ISAF air assets to date in the Afghanistan conflict.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA579573
Entities
People
- Benjamin R. Jacobson
- Shannon W. Caudill
Organizations
- Air University