Apache attack helicopters ran gun runs near Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan on Wednesday while F-16 fighter jets soared overhead in response to car bombs detonating near the perimeter.
From Afghanistan to Syria, the enemy often initiates an attack with Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (SVBIEDs) which are then followed up by armed insurgents rushing the perimeter. This was no exception. After the two car bombs exploded next to an under construction medical facility, armed Taliban began attacking the complex. The local governor reported the attack as having killed 3 and injuring 65, but there were no American or Coalition casualties. What followed was a gun battle lasting about three hours.
Portions of the attack and the U.S. military response were posted on Instagram on Wednesday but were later deleted.
The attack on Bagram, America's largest base in Afghanistan, comes after the United States and the Taliban re-approached peace negotiations in Doha this weekend after having broken them off previously. President Trump made a surprise visit to Bagram to meet with the troops and help serve their Thanksgiving feast just last month.
On Monday, the Washington Post published internal interviews conducted by the Inspector General with senior leaders about America's failed efforts in Afghanistan, revealing that members of the military, the State Department, and the National Security Council were well aware that America was losing the fight as far back as 2004. In response, Military Times reported that Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell, the senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Milley, said, "I’ve been to Afghanistan 10 times in the last four years in this job and I feel that we’ve never been lied to and we are continuing to move forward," before adding, "I firmly thought the strategy we had in place was working."
CSM Troxell retires on Friday. The war in Afghanistan hit its 18th birthday this year.