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Camp, Rob & Hunter
Well it has been a crazy week here - but everything is back to (Afghan)
normal now. You likely saw on the news that our compound was attacked by
insurgents on the 13th. It lasted about 20 hours. There was some pretty
tense moments, especially when bad guys were reported inside the wire. Our
guys responded very well as did the local AFGH security forces.

Initially we thought it was a standard one or two shot rocket attack which
hit about 1330. We proceeded to the basement as per SOP to wait for the all
clear. It became apparent quickly that it was an attack. We had a Brit
security detachment supplement our position. We secured the area from the
roof (one of the highest buildings in the compound) for the duration of the
main action, from approx 1400 through 2100. The NZ SAS assulted the
building and the direct threat to the compound began to diminish by 2200. A
super heavy downpour kicked in as it got dark. The gunfire/explosions were
sporadic until next morning as the AFGH and Kiwis went room to room.

During the day there was a lot of heavy gunfire, The explosions ranged from
the suicide bombers to booby traps, grenades and RPGs. The helecopter
gunships flew right by our positions on their runs at the bad guys. We were
basically in the flight path so we had to hit the dirt a bunch of times for
incoming RPGs. The closest was maybe 150 yards away - behind the next
building (whiich didnt explode). The pucker factor certainly kicks into
high gear.

Fortunately my mate Richard had sent a huge box of tea and custard cream
biscuits from the UK which arrived that day. The English guys wolfed down
and cleaned me out. By 2200 we were smoking cigars (also cleaned out my
stash) listening to the gunfire and watching the explosions in the high rise
- it was pretty surreal. Finally at about 3am we got some shut eye on the
floor until 6am - note to self bring sleeping bag and mattress pad to work.
The all clear was finally given at about 9am - after teams had cleared the
unexploded ordenance the bad guys had fired into the compound.

No coalition forces were hurt, although there was a couple of injuries at
the embassy next door. Unfortunately the Taliban killed about a dozen
locals including children and police outside the fence. They bastards
really dont give a shit.

The youtube link was shot by the guys at NATO TV (USAF photog). They did a
great job. The vision was seen globally. Some of this raw footage was shot
off the rooftop. Have also attached a pic with a couple of the English lads
that spent an interesting 24 hours with us. They were a little tardy
getting down the ladder and got drenched.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUO6wmAEmKY

Aside from all the excitement everything else is a little groundhog dayish.
GEt to work at 0700 and finish anytime between 2130 and midnight. So long
days rotating between sleeping, eating and work.

Hope all is going great at home. Look forward to hearing some news and or
gossip. some good news would be ideal!
Keels

DCOS/COMM
ISAF HQ
APO AE 0935