Battle of Qala I Jangi 2001
 

Didn't see this particular clip hereabouts (released 2018).
This is approached from a collection of video journalists who were in the Mazar area and covering the battle, so personal viewpoints vary. Might be video some have not seen, or help some understand the scope of this "prison" (inside which was an armory).

About 50 minutes. You know what to do with the link.

https://www.xxxxxxx.com/watch?v=iZyC...ature=youtu.be

:munchin

Was there in 2006. Paid respects at the simple memorial to Mike Spann. Saw the craters left over from the JDAM strikes. Big one at one of the corners of the fortress. Saw the ruins of the underground bunker where the last holdouts were.

Amazing architecture and a great fortress for those interested in military history.

Break

I was at a dinner held there and attended by Dostum at the head table. Lots of conventional force American and NATO military officers there.. all jockeying for spots closest to the head table.

I (a lower ranking officer) was seated midway down the table. After a bunch of pre-dinner bullshit and a bunch of talking , I remember Dostum leaning and pointing at me, the only american with a beard and wearing a 9mm pistol on his belt (the rest grounded all their weapons... what officer isn't with his pistol???) and locking eyes in recognition. (not of me but of the fact that he knew that I was SF). I gave him a nod and a hand gesture. He nodded back. After that i was approached that I should move up closer to the head table. I said no. And so I sat, midway down the table happily eating my goat meat and naan with everyone who noticed (both Afghan and American to include Dostum) , wondering what connections that I had and what power I had to influence events.

Cool times that are insignificant in the larger picture.

I love the little moments like these, I’ve had a few similar ones over the years.