Chapter 5: Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq

MAY 28, 2015

The briefing room was packed—not just Third Platoon, but battalion brass, intelligence officers, and a representative from JSOC. When generals start paying attention, you know the mission matters.

Lieutenant Colonel Hayes stood at the front beside a large satellite image of terrain northwest of Mosul. The same LTC who’d fast-tracked Shira to Sniper School was now overseeing this operation.

“Good evening, gentlemen. And Sergeant Abrams.” He nodded to Shira. “Four days ago, signals intelligence intercepted communications indicating that Abu Rashid al-Ansari will be at this compound—” he pointed to a walled structure on the map “—on May 30th for a meeting with subordinate commanders. This represents our best opportunity to eliminate a high-value target who’s been operating with impunity for eighteen months.”

He clicked to a new image—a detailed overhead shot showing the compound, surrounding buildings, terrain features, and distances marked in meters.

“The problem: the compound is heavily defended. Guard towers, roving patrols, reinforced walls. A direct assault would result in significant casualties and likely allow al-Ansari to escape through tunnels we know exist but can’t locate.” Hayes looked at the assembled Rangers. “So we’re not assaulting. We’re taking a precision shot.”

He turned to Shira. “Sergeant Abrams, step forward.”

She stood and moved to the front.

“Explain to everyone why this shot is possible,” Hayes said.

Shira studied the map, then addressed the room. “The compound sits in a depression, but there’s elevated terrain to the northwest—a ridgeline that provides line of sight into the compound’s central courtyard. The distance from that ridgeline to the courtyard is 1,850 meters.”

She pointed to the relevant features. “Standard M24 sniper systems have an effective range of about 800 meters. The Barrett M82.50 caliber can reach 1,800 meters but lacks precision at that distance. The CheyTac M200 in .408 caliber is specifically designed for extreme long-range precision—effective beyond 2,000 meters with the right shooter.”

“And you’re the right shooter?” asked a major she didn’t recognize.

“Yes, sir. I’ve hit targets at 2,000 meters in training and 1,420 meters in combat. 1,850 is within my capability.”

Hayes took over. “Intelligence indicates al-Ansari will be in the compound’s courtyard between 1400 and 1500 hours on the 30th. He’s meeting with his commanders in the open—they believe they’re safe from air strikes due to civilian presence in adjacent buildings, and they’re too far from coalition positions for ground assault or sniper fire.” He smiled grimly. “They don’t know about Lilith.”

He outlined the plan: “Small team insertion—Sergeant Abrams, one spotter, and a four-man Ranger security element. Insert at night, move to the ridgeline, establish hide position. Wait for the target to appear. One shot to eliminate al-Ansari, then immediate exfil before ISIS can react.”

Master Sergeant Garrett spoke up. “Sir, that’s deep in enemy territory. If they’re compromised, extraction will be difficult.”

“Agreed. That’s why we’re keeping the team small and fast. In and out before ISIS knows we’re there.” Hayes looked at Shira. “The success of this entire operation rests on one shot. Sergeant Abrams, are you confident you can make it?”