Operation Pineapple Express: The daring rescue of stranded Afghan partners at the close of America's War on Terror
Following the infamous 9/11 terrorist strikes on American targets in 2001 the US launched “Operation Enduring Freedom,” beginning two decades of military action in Afghanistan against Al Qaida and the Taliban. Recruits from the Afghan National Army were sent to America to train alongside US Special Forces; they then served for a decade alongside the elite Special Forces teams as commandos and interpreters. Amid the chaos of America’s troop withdrawal during the 2021 collapse of the Afghan army and government, these Afghan comrades were left behind to face the wrath of a vengeful Taliban.
Green Beret veteran Lt. Col. Scott Mann will share his remarkable account about how a group of retired US Special Forces operatives came together for one last mission to honor a promise made to their former brothers-in-arms. "Operation Pineapple Express" ultimately succeeded in extracting over five hundred abandoned Afghan soldiers, interpreters, and at-risk family members. His book, Operation Pineapple Express, is a gripping account of the heroism, service, and loyalty demonstrated in this final, unsanctioned, rescue mission.
CVPA 153
Carol Hansen
5089998301
chansen1@umassd.edu