Attack on Bari Alai

Last updated
Attack on Bari Alai
Part of the War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
Observation Post Bari Alai May 1st 2009 Aftermath.png
Aftermath of attack on Observation Post Bari Alai (May 1, 2009)
Date1 May 2009
Location
Result Taliban victory
Belligerents
Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia
Flag of Afghanistan (2004-2013).svg  Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Flag of the Taliban.svg Taliban
Units involved
Flag of the United States.svg 6/4 Cavalry 3rd Brigade 1st Infantry Division
Flag of Latvia.svg 1st Infantry Battalion '1. Kājnieku'
Flag of Afghanistan (2004-2013).svg Afghan National Army
Flag of the Taliban.svg Unknown
Strength
Flag of the United States.svg 3
Flag of Latvia.svg 4
Flag of Afghanistan (2004-2013).svg 25
Total: 32
~Unknown
Casualties and losses
Flag of the United States.svg 3 killed [1]
Flag of Latvia.svg 2 killed, 2 wounded [2]
Flag of Afghanistan (2004-2013).svg 3 killed, 12 captured [1]
Unknown

The attack on Bari Alai, also called the Battle of Nishagam, [1] was an attack by Taliban insurgents on the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Observation Post (OP) Bari Alai in the perimeter of Nishagam in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, that took place on 1 May 2009. The attack was successful in being the first time during the War in Afghanistan that the Taliban had completely overrun a coalition outpost. [3] [4] Survivors were few, with the exception of two Latvian soldiers and a number of Afghan troops. The US detachment at the OP (three in total) were all killed in action. [2] [5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Mockenhaupt, Brian (2009-11-01). "Fire on the Mountain". Outside Online. Retrieved 2016-12-24.
  2. 1 2 "Two soldiers die in Afghanistan attack".
  3. "Army Staff SGT. William D. Vile". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
  4. "Army SGT. James D. Pirtle". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
  5. "Army SPC. Ryan C. King". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-06-11.