Jörg. H. Trauboth - Three Brothers

“Please be more specific.”

“Our allies are very impressed with the mission readiness of the KSK. We train with them side by side, often also using their helicopters. In general, however, we are not readily favored for hot joint operations. When the others are able to wrap things up quickly, we always have to legally slam on the brakes in cases of doubt.”

Everyone in the room can sense that the commander of the KSK is currently walking on thin ice. Is he in conflict with his legal environment? Does he have a problem with the political primacy? This could be his last appearance, thinks Bloedorn with satisfaction.

“That sounds very promising, General. I can already hear our boys in Iraq already calling out ‘ you are temporarily under arrest! ’ Why do you recommend such uncertainties?”

Wolf, a wiry man as tall as a tree, reminds Henriette of the legendary GSG 9 commander of the mission in Mogadishu. He continues, steadfast:

“I needed to explain it in full detail so that it is crystal clear. The security situation in this specific case is different. We have a small and manageable field of action. Every jihadist we meet in the hostage environment is a potential danger. Of course, no one will be temporarily arrested. That means, it will be exactly the same as the other Special Forces: surprise, attack, and withdrawal.”

“Could you translate that, please?”

“No wounded, no prisoners, only a homecoming with two living hostages.”

“And if there are civilian in the area being used as human shields?”

“I assume there won’t be. And finally – a residual risk remains.”

“How many KSK soldiers are we talking here?”

“Seven elite soldiers for the rescue operation. Plus, two helicopters, another two as back-up, and team of over 120 men, for the logistics and mission control center on the Turkish side under my leadership. I am quite certain the Turkish side will also consent to our plan. I recall the mission we participated in on the Turkish-Syrian border where we successfully freed twenty Turkish soldiers. As our NATO partner, Turkey owes us a favor, and they clearly told us that after it was all over.”

“Well, then, let’s hope so. Do we have enough personnel for this difficult situation?”

“As the area is quite manageable, we think we do, yes.”

“And how about equipment?”

“This unit has the best equipment on the market. We will be using our new H145M helicopter. It is armed, armored, and has night vision capabilities. It is still a prototype but is specifically made for exactly such missions.”

“I see you have done some preliminary homework on the subject. When do you plan to start the operation?”

“On Christmas day. Time over target two o’clock a.m. Iraqi time. That is midnight our time. We can have everything ready at the Diyarbakir Air Force Base near the Turkish-Iraqi border by the 23rd of December if we start today.”

The group senses that they are standing before a go/no-go decision in light of the ultimatum and the time pressure.

“Are we sure that the hostages will be there when the soldiers arrive?” asks the chancellor.

“We will verify that again directly beforehand.”

Henriette analyses the situation: the hostages’ lives are in danger, negotiation is not possible, a ransom is not an option, military Special Forces are standing by, the chances for a rescue are high and legally justifiable. Do I have any sensible alternative that justifies the goal of the rescue? She asks herself, no.

“You always use a code name, Mr. Wolf. What will you call this operation?”

“Operation Eagle.”

“Why Eagle ?”

“Our forces come in like a speeding eagle out of the sky, grab the hostages, and are gone again. We calculate the whole thing will take between three to five minutes, then we’ll have the hostages on their way home.”

“And that will work just like the American Navy Seals operation against Bin Laden in Pakistan?”

“Every situation is different, Madam Chancellor, we have thought through all the possible options. My men will need to assess the situation as it happens and decide then. Even I do not have any more influence once the mission is underway. It will play out very fast, it won’t be easy, but it is possible.”

Henriette considers the situation once more. What should I say? What information can I trust? What does my gut say?

The brigadier general of the Special Forces senses the chancellor’s misgivings. He leads a commando that ranks among the best of its kind world-wide and is completely convinced that this hostage rescue is a standard mission for his elite soldiers. And with a very high probably of success. There have been, after all, more dangerous situations than this one.

“The aim of my unit is to bring the two Germans, Helmut Weier and Josef Fischer, and my men home unharmed in a perfectly planned surprise ambush. This plan is the one and only chance for the hostages. We employ the most modern technology and reconnaissance equipment and proceed with utmost precision from the initial preparation to the final execution. We are positive we can accomplish this. Failure is not an option, Madam Chancellor!”

Rudi is inwardly pleased. Kudos to his newly-discovered Apollo 13 fan colleague. The evaluation of the situation went a little differently than expected due to the dynamic of the chancellor’s presence. All the same, it was comprehensive and consequential. All the way up to a final decision, which is the next step. The brigadier general sure hit it out of the park perfectly.

Henriette looks around.

“Gentlemen, any other comments or objections?”

The three ministers nod in agreement. No objections.

“The extended weather forecast looks good, Madam Chancellor,” says Bloedorn.

“From your lips to God’s ear, Mr. …,” she looks at his badge, “Mr. Bloedorn.”

Rudi grins behind his hand.

“Madam Chancellor,” says Hartmut Busch, “I have a tactical suggestion.”

“And that is?”

“In contrast to what has just been discussed: I propose we give ISIS a signal that we are prepared to negotiate with them politically, but that we need more time. We will tell them that we want to discuss establishing direct contact to ISIS along with Iraq and Syria. That could diffuse the situation on the ground for the hostages. Of course, it would be a phony offer. And our allies would be informed of this in advance, as much as possible.”

Henriette looks to the ministers. The members of the group all nod in agreement. Even the foreign minister, who was of the completely opposite opinion only a moment ago.

“Agreed, please organize that.”

Henriette, again, is entering uncharted territory in her current office. Only this time, the responsibility rests heavily on her shoulders. Since the established onset of this defense situation, she feels as though she finally has the power of command. And it is the same in this situation. She has to protect the lives of the two German hostages. And that can only be guaranteed through military force.

The Chancellor draws in a deep breath, then speaks slowly and confidently:

“I officially grant the order for Operation Eagle . I will personally obtain political approval from Turkey today. General Wolf, you will be personally responsible for the preparation and execution. If any unacceptable uncertainties arise, we will abort. When would be the last possible time to do so?”

“Up to one minute before landing. That is, at 1:59 a.m. on December 25th. It is possible to abort the mission up till then.”

“Can we watch the operation over a video feed in the crisis center?”

The meeting participants are astonished. A video transmission of a German Special Forces mission on the ground in a foreign state is also uncharted territory for the Crisis Response Center.