{ "_sections": [ "metadata", "incident", "environment", "helicopter", "weapon", "witness_statements", "shootdown_geometry", "mathlete_memorial_challenge", "flight_model", "observation_points", "tactical_positions", "american_positions", "infrastructure", "visual_reference" ], "metadata": { "title": "Extortion 17 Battlefield Model", "subtitle": "CH-47D Extortion 17 Shootdown Analysis — Machine-Readable Dataset", "version": "2.3.7", "author": "Kirsten Bayes", "location": "Reading, UK", "year": 2026, "project": "Upon Another Shore: Extortion 17, and the Story of a Curious Friendship", "datum": "WGS 84", "altitude_reference": "AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level) unless otherwise stated", "units_note": "All altitudes in metres (AMSL) or feet (AGL) as labelled. Speeds in knots. Bearings in degrees magnetic. Temperatures in Celsius. Distances in metres. Coordinates may imply nominal sub-metre accuracy: note uncertainty ranges.", "timing_note": "T is defined as the moment Extortion 17 enters the Logar Valley at Nav Point 2 (approximately 34.036°N, 68.768°E). All observer timing fields are referenced to T. ", "changelog": { "2_3_6": [ "FIX: cop_sayad_abad lat/lon converted from string to number type.", "FIX: choke_hassan_khel note date corrected from 2026-08-06 to 2011-08-06.", "FIX: choke_spin_wersek coordinates corrected — were duplicating choke_tangi_college. Now placed near Spin Wersek village consistent with mosque_spin_wersek, bridge_spin_wersek, and ranger_pursuit_limit. Verify against source map.", "FIX: flight_model waypoint coordinates normalised from string tuples to lat/lon number fields.", "FIX: observation_points coordinates normalised from string tuples to lat/lon number fields.", "ADD: title fields added to all top-level sections previously lacking them.", "ADD: _sections index added at root level giving intended display order." ], "2_3_7": [ "FIX: HOGE limit without EAPS set to 48,000 lbs more optimistic level. EAPS impact estimate up to 1000lbs to reflect estimate confidence ", "FIX: Updated times for Ranger Raid and bed down/end of pursuit to 11pm.and 01.35 respectively", "FIX: version update notes were for 2.3.6 not 2.3.5 - corrected" ] }, "sources": [ "Colt, Jeffrey. Army Regulation 15-6 Investigation, 6 August 2011 CH-47D, Wardak Province. USFOR-A, September 9, 2011.", "Joint Combat Assessment Team (JCAT). Extortion 17 Shootdown Assessment. August 22, 2011.", "Darack, Ed. The Final Mission of Extortion 17. Smithsonian Books, 2017.", "CH-47D Technical Manual TM1-1520-240-10. US Army, 2003.", "MapCarta Terrain Maps (OpenStreetMap / Mapbox).", "OG-7VMZ manufacturer specifications (VMZ, Bulgaria).", "1PN33B (BN-1 Baigish) manufacturer specifications (KOMZ, Russia)." ], "license": "This dataset is published for research, education, and accountability. All coordinates are derived from publicly available or declassified sources." }, "incident": { "title": "Incident Summary", "date_local": "2011-08-06", "time_local": "02:39:00", "timezone": "+04:30", "datetime_local": "2011-08-06T02:39:00+04:30", "datetime_zulu": "2011-08-05T22:09:00Z", "location_name": "Tangi Valley, Maidan Wardak Province, Afghanistan", "souls_on_board": 38, "survivors": 0 }, "environment": { "title": "Environmental Conditions", "temperature_c": 22, "wind_speed_kts": 5, "wind_direction_deg": 100, "visibility_m": 9000, "visibility_conditions": "haze", "cloud_base_ft": 12000, "cloud_cover": "few", "moon": "set", "polaris": { "azimuth_deg": 0, "elevation_deg": 34 }, "night_visual_range_m": 100, "night_visual_range_note": "Conservative working assumption for unaided dark-adapted eye. Moon had set. Ambient illumination: starlight only, except where IR spotlight active over HLZ. Gen 1 IR optics partially recover daylight visual range, particularly against IR-illuminated or high-contrast targets.", "source": "JCAT report; night visual range: assessed" }, "helicopter": { "title": "Helicopter: CH-47D Extortion 17", "type": "Boeing CH-47D Chinook", "tail_number": "84-24175", "callsign": "Extortion 17", "unit": "B/2-158 Aviation Regiment", "dimensions": { "fuselage_length_m": 15.5, "fuselage_height_aft_pylon_m": 5.8, "fuselage_height_cargo_m": 2.0, "fuselage_width_m": 3.7, "rotor_diameter_m": 18.3, "source": "manufacturer document" }, "performance": { "max_gross_weight_lbs": 50000, "hoge_limit_da9000_lbs": 48000, "hoge_limit_with_eaps_lbs": 47000, "estimated_gross_weight_lbs_range": [ 45000, 48000 ], "gross_weight_disclosed": false, "density_altitude_ft": 9000, "pressure_altitude_ft": 6605, "note": "Helicopters whose gross weight is above HOGE limit may become severely power constrained.", "source": "CH-47D Reference Manual, fig. 7A-5-2; JCAT report" }, "acoustic_signature": { "character": "Distinctive tandem contra-rotating rotor beat. Immediately identifiable by sound alone.", "cruise_note": "Relatively steady acoustic signature in level cruise flight.", "turn_note": "Heavy turn generates sharp rotor-load spike — significantly louder and acoustically distinct from cruise. ", "ambient_conditions": "02:39 local. Moon set. Wind 5 knots. Negligible ambient noise. Acoustic channelling through valley significantly extends detection range along valley axis.", "source": "assessed; acoustic physics" } }, "weapon": { "title": "Weapon System Assessment", "launcher": { "type": "RPG-7 pattern", "origin": "Soviet-era", "confidence": "highly probable", "source": "JCAT data" }, "projectile": { "primary_assessment": "OG-7VMZ (Fragmentation)", "primary_confidence": "highly probable", "alternate_assessment": "OG-7VM", "alternate_confidence": "probable", "source": "JCAT data" }, "ballistics": { "muzzle_velocity_ms_ogv7vmz": 152, "muzzle_velocity_ms_ogv7vm": 145, "time_of_flight_to_193m_s_range": [ 1.29, 1.32 ], "gravity_drop_at_193m_m": 8.5, "source": "manufacturer specs (VMZ); calculated" }, "sighting": { "iron_sights": { "confidence": "highly probable", "note": "Dark-adapted human eye using iron sights will readily resolve a CH-47D-sized target against sky background at engagement range. Confirmed by night hiking observation in comparable regional conditions." }, "pgo7_optical": { "confidence": "probable", "note": "Illumination levels limit effectiveness without IR support. Able to resolve a Chinook size target out to the engagement range if silhouetted Vs a sky background." }, "nspu_1pn34_gen1_nv": { "confidence": "possible", "note": "Limited availability; requires contrast or local lighting." }, "source": "assessed" }, "spotting": { "commercial_military_binoculars": { "confidence": "highly probable", "note": "Widely available." }, "1pn33b_baigish_soviet_recon_binos_gen1": { "confidence": "probable", "note": "High quality Gen 1 IR binoculars. Stadiametric reticle (mil-spaced hashmarks) enables rangefinding against targets of known dimensions. CH-47D fuselage dimensions (width 3.7m, height 5.8m) Resolution sufficient for ranging at operational distances depending on local illumination and contrast. Assessed as leader-level equipment. A commander of this seniority with Soviet-era training would be highly familiar with this specific instrument. Availability in 2011: Darra Adam Khel, PK; refurbished market sources.", "stadiametric_capability": "Range to target derivable from known aircraft dimensions and reticle measurement. Combined with observer elevation (AMSL known from terrain), provides height AGL of aircraft — the hardest firing solution variable to determine by other means.", "ir_illumination_interaction": "AC-130 IR spotlight active over HLZ from T-162s. Football-field sized IR source potentially visible through 1PN33B at Tirik range, providing background illumination that may silhouette approaching aircraft and extend effective visual range beyond standard Gen 1 limits." }, "commercial_gen1_night_scopes": { "confidence": "possible", "note": "Require contrast or local lighting. Multiple sources including Dubai, UAE." }, "source": "assessed" }, "ir_illumination": { "active": true, "duration_before_impact_s": 162, "origin": "AC-130 IR spotlight (burn)", "target_location": "Planned Landing Zone", "coverage": "football field size", "visible_to": "Gen 0+ and Gen 1 night vision gear known to be available to Taliban in region.", "network_effect": "IR spotlight active from T-72s (162s before impact, valley transit ~90s). Illuminates destination before aircraft enters valley. Functions as strategic warning independent of acoustic and observer networks.", "source": "Colt Report (confirmed)" } }, "witness_statements": { "title": "Witness Statements", "sequence": "Three rockets fired in rapid succession", "accuracy": "All three shots assessed as accurate by USAF observers", "impact": "Second rocket impacted the aircraft", "miss": "First rocket observed passing below helicopter, Third rocket observed going over the top of the falling aircraft", "source": "Colt Report" }, "shootdown_geometry": { "title": "Shootdown Geometry", "last_transponder_ping": { "id": "t_start", "name": "Last Transponder Ping", "lat": 34.025372, "lon": 68.782567, "alt_agl_ft": 326, "speed_kts": 57, "heading_deg_m": 137, "source": "JCAT report, BFT Transponder" }, "planned_landing_zone": { "id": "t_end", "name": "Planned Landing Zone", "lat": 34.018255, "lon": 68.790479, "source": "Colt Report" }, "strike_point": { "id": "t_impact", "name": "Strike Point / Crash Site", "lat": 34.022959, "lon": 68.785032, "alt_amsl_m": 2053, "alt_amsl_m_uncertainty": 8, "alt_agl_ft": 125, "alt_agl_ft_uncertainty": 25, "terrain_amsl_m": 2015, "speed_kts": 50, "trajectory_deg_m": 137, "cross_track_error_m": 14.8, "deceleration": "linear between Ping and LZ", "confidence": "highly probable", "source": "JCAT report; terrain: MapCarta" }, "shooter_position": { "id": "shooter", "name": "Shooter Position (Launch Origin)", "lat": 34.021228, "lon": 68.785188, "elev_amsl_m": 2022, "elev_uncertainty_m": 2, "lateral_uncertainty_m": 3, "confidence": "highly probable", "source": "JCAT report (assessed)" }, "building_obstruction": { "id": "building_edge", "name": "Building Obstruction (Edge)", "lat": 34.0216836, "lon": 68.7850708, "note": "Northern edge of buildings masking shooter's line of sight to approaching helicopter.", "source": "MapCarta, assessed" }, "local_high_point": { "id": "high_point", "name": "Local High Point (Terrain Feature)", "lat": 34.0494444, "lon": 68.78, "elev_amsl_m": 2478, "note": "Prominent terrain feature used as assessed aiming reference. Azimuth from shooter: 351.33 deg. ", "source": "MapCarta; azimuth and elevation: calculated" }, "helicopter_at_moment_of_firing": { "id": "firing_position", "name": "Helicopter Position at Moment of Firing", "lat": 34.02318, "lon": 68.784784, "alt_amsl_m": 2059, "note": "Back-projected from strike point along reciprocal bearing 317 deg M by distance travelled during projectile time of flight (1.305s at 50kts = 33.6m). Internal consistency check: shooter-to-strike distance 193.2m matches JCAT ballistics figure of 193m.", "source": "calculated" }, "flight_plan": { "nav_point_1": { "name": "Nav Point 1 (behind Tangi Dara ridgeline)", "lat": 34.0324852, "lon": 68.7449165, "terrain_amsl_m": 2080, "ridgeline_amsl_m": 2300, "note": "Extortion 17 goes up behind Tangi Dara ridgeline. Ridgeline masks acoustic signature until Nav Point 2 turn.", "source": "Colt Report, MapCarta" }, "nav_point_2": { "name": "Nav Point 2 (turn into Logar Valley) — Network Activation Point", "lat": 34.0364275, "lon": 68.7678044, "terrain_amsl_m": 2030, "note": "Extortion 17 leaves Tangi Dara ridgeline, turns into Logar River Valley. Heavy turn under load begins that generates acoustic spike. Approximately 90 seconds, 1 mile to strike point.", "source": "Colt Report, MapCarta" } } }, "mathlete_memorial_challenge": { "title": "The Mathlete Memorial Challenge", "dedication": "For S., the Mathlete — cryptologist, flanker, warm heart of the group.", "instructions": [ "Using the flight telemetry, determine the precise position of the helicopter at the moment of firing.", "Calculate the azimuth and elevation from the Shooter to that position.", "Compare these vectors to the dominant local mountain feature to assess its viability as a terrain-based offset marker and mechanism for making gross assessment of aircraft altitude." ], "results": { "helicopter_at_firing": { "lat": 34.02318, "lon": 68.784784, "alt_amsl_m": 2059, "method": "Back-projected 33.6m along reciprocal bearing 317 deg from strike point" }, "azimuth_difference_deg": 1.07, "elevation_difference_deg": 1.38, "coincidence_probability_assessment": "Operational Reality vs. Mathematical Coincidence. While assigning an exact 0.2% probability implies false certainty in a chaotic environment, the selection of a dominant, verifiable terrain feature as a gross alignment marker is standard doctrine for a defiladed ambush.", "conclusion": "The geometry supports a pre-planned ambush. The firing solution relies on deep local terrain familiarity and gross offset tactics, mitigating the need for advanced stadiametric precision optics." } }, "flight_model": { "title": "Extortion 17 — Logar Valley Flight Model", "parameters": { "speed_of_flight": { "value": 30, "unit": "m/s" }, "speed_of_sound": { "value": 330, "unit": "m/s" }, "knot_conversion": { "value": 0.514, "unit": "m/s per knot" } }, "waypoints": [ { "number": 0, "label": "Nav 1", "lat": 34.0325, "lon": 68.744917, "distance_to_next_m": 2154, "heading_deg": 78.33, "true_or_magnetic": "True", "source": "Colt (Maps)", "speed_m_s": 30, "time_from_entry": -76.9, "time_to_strike": 157.988128, "notes": "Straight line, likely to be further." }, { "number": 1, "label": "Nav 2", "lat": 34.036417, "lon": 68.767806, "distance_to_next_m": 153, "heading_deg": 54.06, "true_or_magnetic": "True", "source": "Colt (Maps)", "speed_m_s": 30, "time_from_entry": -5.1, "time_to_strike": 81.088128, "notes": null }, { "number": 2, "label": "Enter Valley", "lat": 34.0372277, "lon": 68.7691556, "distance_to_next_m": 439, "heading_deg": 120.59, "true_or_magnetic": "True", "source": "Model", "speed_m_s": 30, "time_from_entry": 0, "time_to_strike": 75.988128, "notes": null }, { "number": 3, "label": "Gharanray", "lat": 34.03511, "lon": 68.773479, "distance_to_next_m": 260, "heading_deg": 142.8, "true_or_magnetic": "True", "source": "Model", "speed_m_s": 30, "time_from_entry": 14.633333, "time_to_strike": 61.354795, "notes": null }, { "number": 4, "label": "Firni", "lat": 34.0332476, "lon": 68.7751849, "distance_to_next_m": 362, "heading_deg": 166.98, "true_or_magnetic": "True", "source": "Model", "speed_m_s": 30, "time_from_entry": 23.3, "time_to_strike": 52.688128, "notes": null }, { "number": 5, "label": "Logar 3", "lat": 34.030072, "lon": 68.7760713, "distance_to_next_m": 314, "heading_deg": 159.67, "true_or_magnetic": "True", "source": "Model", "speed_m_s": 30, "time_from_entry": 35.366667, "time_to_strike": 40.621461, "notes": null }, { "number": 6, "label": "Kahn Khel", "lat": 34.0274226, "lon": 68.7772555, "distance_to_next_m": 246, "heading_deg": 121.04, "true_or_magnetic": "True", "source": "Model", "speed_m_s": 30, "time_from_entry": 45.833333, "time_to_strike": 30.154795, "notes": null }, { "number": 7, "label": "Tirik", "lat": 34.0262831, "lon": 68.7795398, "distance_to_next_m": 297, "heading_deg": 109.96, "true_or_magnetic": "True", "source": "Model", "speed_m_s": 30, "time_from_entry": 54.033333, "time_to_strike": 21.954795, "notes": null }, { "number": 8, "label": "Last BFT Ping", "lat": 34.025372, "lon": 68.782567, "distance_to_next_m": 352, "heading_deg": 141, "true_or_magnetic": "True", "source": "Recorded, BFT (137 Magnetic)", "speed_m_s": 29.2, "time_from_entry": 63.933333, "time_to_strike": 12.054795, "notes": null }, { "number": 9, "label": "Strike Point", "lat": 34.022959, "lon": 68.785032, "distance_to_next_m": null, "heading_deg": 141, "true_or_magnetic": "True", "source": "Assessed, JCAT", "speed_m_s": 25.7, "time_from_entry": 75.988128, "time_to_strike": 0, "notes": null }, { "number": 10, "label": "Nav 3 HLZ", "lat": 34.018255, "lon": 68.790479, "distance_to_next_m": null, "heading_deg": null, "true_or_magnetic": null, "source": "Colt (Maps)", "speed_m_s": null, "time_from_entry": null, "time_to_strike": null, "notes": null } ] }, "observation_points": { "title": "Extortion 17 — Logar Valley Observation Points", "global_factors": [ "River", "Choke Point", "Cultural Building" ], "observation_points": [ { "label": "Guli Khel", "lat": 34.048096, "lon": 68.76238, "elevation_amsl": "2048m", "probability": "Probable", "safety_status": "Negligible Risk", "key_factors": [ "Bridge", "Main Road" ] }, { "label": "Do Ab", "lat": 34.0415115, "lon": 68.7668388, "elevation_amsl": "2025m", "probability": "Highly Probable", "safety_status": "Negligible Risk", "key_factors": [ "Bridge", "Junction", "Confluence", "Main Road" ] }, { "label": "Gharanray", "lat": 34.035415, "lon": 68.773707, "elevation_amsl": "2020m", "probability": "Possible", "safety_status": "Low Risk", "key_factors": [ "Main Road" ] }, { "label": "Tirik", "lat": 34.0252324, "lon": 68.7784676, "elevation_amsl": "2030m", "probability": "Possible", "safety_status": "Low Risk", "key_factors": [] }, { "label": "Booch Kala", "lat": 34.0226723, "lon": 68.7858949, "elevation_amsl": "2010m", "probability": "Unlikely", "safety_status": "Critical Risk", "key_factors": [ "Bridge" ] } ] }, "tactical_positions": { "title": "Tactical Positions", "ranger_raid": { "id": "ranger_raid_kamran_khel", "name": "Earlier Ranger Raid to capture Qari Tahir", "village": "Kamran Khel", "lat": 34.001944, "lon": 68.820556, "time_local": "2011-08-05T23:00:00+04:30", "source": "Map in Colt Report" }, "target_beddown": { "id": "tahir_beddown", "name": "Bed Down (Post Escape) Location of Target", "target": "Qari Tahir", "village": "Dawlat Khil", "lat": 34.0126713, "lon": 68.7963787, "time_local": "2011-08-06T01:35:00+04:30", "source": "Map in Colt Report" }, "ranger_pursuit_end": { "id": "ranger_pursuit_limit", "name": "End of Ranger pursuit of Tahir", "village": "Spin Wersek (northern edge)", "lat": 34.0049571, "lon": 68.80111, "note": "Southern boundary of contested ground that night. Taliban movement south of this line was uncontested. Observer positions north of this line operated under chronic risk of compromise from Ranger presence.", "source": "Witness description in Colt Report" }, "helicopter_landing_zone": { "id": "hlz", "name": "Helicopter Landing Zone", "lat": 34.0182553, "lon": 68.7904788, "note": "Insertion point between Tahir and the Zamoch Village Road bridge. IR spotlight active over this location from T-162s.", "source": "Colt Report" }, "prior_safire": [ { "id": "safire_spin_wersek", "date": "2011-06-06", "location": "Spin Wersek area", "description": "14 RPGs fired from 5-6 points of origin at a US CH-47D Chinook", "significance": "Evidence of coordinated anti-aircraft response", "distance_from_ex17_km": 2.5, "direction": "south", "source": "SAFIRE report maps in Colt Report" }, { "id": "safire_khan_khel", "date": "2011-07-21", "location": "near Khan Khel", "description": "MH-47G Chinook attacked by 1+ RPGs", "distance_from_ex17_m": 700, "direction": "northwest", "source": "SAFIRE report map in JCAT Report" } ] }, "american_positions": { "title": "American and Coalition Positions", "overview": "US and coalition positions defining the operational boundary conditions for the engagement. Observer network orientation is driven by proximity to American positions — Taliban observers seek eyes-on of American activity from positions offering cover, concealment, and low conspicuousness. Nearest American position is a primary factor in observer probability assessment alongside observation quality and safety.", "positions": [ { "id": "cop_sayad_abad", "name": "Combat Outpost, Sayad Abad", "type": "Permanent COP", "lat": 34.0004, "lon": 68.7135, "note": "Nearest permanent American position. Closer to Do Ab than to Booch Kala. Proximity increases chronic compromise risk for observer positions in northern valley. Coordinates used are Sayad Abad civic centre", "source": "confirmed, civic centre, Mapcarta" }, { "id": "ranger_raid_kamran_khel", "name": "Ranger Raid Start Point", "type": "Temporary — night of incident", "lat": 34.001944, "lon": 68.820556, "time_local": "2011-08-05T23:00:00+04:30", "source": "Map in Colt Report" }, { "id": "ranger_pursuit_limit", "name": "Ranger Pursuit End Point", "type": "Temporary — night of incident", "lat": 34.0049571, "lon": 68.80111, "note": "Southern limit of American ground presence that night. Defines boundary south of which Taliban movement and observer positioning was uncontested.", "source": "Witness description in Colt Report", "time_local": "2011-08-06T01:35:00+04:30" } ] }, "infrastructure": { "title": "Infrastructure", "bridges": [ { "id": "bridge_spin_wersek", "name": "Bridge, Spin Wersek", "road": "Alan Khil Village Road", "river": "Logar River", "lat": 34.0028014, "lon": 68.8031553 }, { "id": "bridge_hassan_khel", "name": "Bridge, Hassan Khel", "road": "Zamoch Village Road", "river": "Logar River", "lat": 34.021765, "lon": 68.786715, "note": "Held by Ayoubi's fire team" }, { "id": "bridge_do_ab", "name": "Bridge, Do Ab", "road": "Tangi-Dara Road", "river": "Logar River", "lat": 34.040501, "lon": 68.769341 }, { "id": "bridge_guli_khel", "name": "Bridge, Guli Khel", "road": "Tangi Road", "river": "Logar River", "lat": 34.049423, "lon": 68.761972 } ], "river_confluences": [ { "id": "confluence_do_ab", "name": "River Confluence, Do Ab", "rivers": [ "Tangi River", "Logar River" ], "lat": 34.039795, "lon": 68.769135 } ], "road_junctions": [ { "id": "junction_joi_zarin", "name": "Road Junction, Joi Zarin", "roads": [ "Zamoch Village Road", "Tangi Road" ], "lat": 34.025861, "lon": 68.787599 }, { "id": "junction_do_ab", "name": "Road Junction, Do Ab", "roads": [ "Tangi-Dara Road", "Tangi Road" ], "lat": 34.040502, "lon": 68.769601 } ], "cultural_buildings": { "note": "Mosques and other cultural or civic buildings. Included as infrastructure landmarks and observer position factors. Not assessed as observation posts themselves.", "mosques": [ { "id": "mosque_do_ab_khel", "name": "Mosque, Do Ab Khel", "lat": 34.040502, "lon": 68.769601 }, { "id": "mosque_booch_kala", "name": "Mosque, Booch Kala", "lat": 34.022725, "lon": 68.786059, "note": "Defines fratricide constraint on Ayoubi's fire arc to the northeast. Divides the Joi Zarin and Hassan Khel air corridors. Pre-calculated weapon engagement zone boundary — confirms position was prepared in advance." }, { "id": "mosque_guli_khel", "name": "Mosque, Guli Khel", "lat": 34.046784, "lon": 68.763435 }, { "id": "mosque_dawlat_khil", "name": "Mosque, Dawlat Khil", "lat": 34.010297, "lon": 68.800782 }, { "id": "mosque_spin_wersek", "name": "Mosque, Spin Wersek", "lat": 34.0032, "lon": 68.801588 }, { "id": "mosque_tirik", "name": "Mosque, Tirik", "lat": 34.0252324, "lon": 68.7784676 } ] }, "choke_points": [ { "id": "choke_do_ab", "name": "Choke Point, Do Ab", "lat": 34.03685, "lon": 68.770362, "diameter_ground_m": 300, "diameter_air_m": 300, "ground_constrained": true, "air_constrained": true, "note": "Valley entry. Observable. Wide enough to manoeuvre but all movement visible." }, { "id": "choke_gharanray", "name": "Choke Point, Gharanray", "lat": 34.035199, "lon": 68.773762, "diameter_ground_m": 124, "diameter_air_m": 200, "ground_constrained": true, "air_constrained": true, "note": "Canyon narrows. Both canyon walls within RPG range of aircraft. Also functions as acoustic focusing point — canyon geometry channels rotor noise along valley axis." }, { "id": "choke_khan_khel", "name": "Choke Point, Khan Khel", "lat": 34.0269463, "lon": 68.778368, "diameter_ground_m": null, "diameter_air_m": 200, "ground_constrained": false, "air_constrained": true, "note": "Buildings constrain air. Site of 21 Jul 2011 SAFIRE attack on MH-47G, 700m NW of Extortion 17 strike." }, { "id": "choke_hassan_khel", "name": "Choke Point, Hassan Khel", "lat": 34.021479, "lon": 68.786435, "diameter_ground_m": null, "diameter_air_m": 100, "ground_constrained": false, "air_constrained": true, "note": "Kill zone. Ayoubi's fire team positioned here. Buildings provide defilade. Ground movement unconstrained through village. Alternative route to choke_joi_zarin: was the one chosen by the pilot on 2011-08-06T02:39:00+04:30" }, { "id": "choke_joi_zarin", "name": "Choke Point, Joi Zarin", "lat": 34.023339, "lon": 68.786601, "diameter_ground_m": null, "diameter_air_m": 60, "ground_constrained": false, "air_constrained": true, "note": "Narrowest air corridor: approximately 3 CH-47D rotor diameters. Alternative route to choke_hassan_khel, separated by Booch Kala mosque area." }, { "id": "choke_tangi_college", "name": "Choke Point, Tangi College", "lat": 34.017354, "lon": 68.794234, "diameter_ground_m": 25, "diameter_air_m": null, "ground_constrained": true, "air_constrained": false, "note": "Narrowest ground choke point: 25 metres. Planned SEAL insertion blocking position between Tahir and the bridge." }, { "id": "choke_dawlat_khil", "name": "Choke Point, Dawlat Khil", "lat": 34.0114929, "lon": 68.7979903, "diameter_ground_m": 100, "diameter_air_m": null, "ground_constrained": true, "air_constrained": false, "note": "Ground constriction protecting Tahir's position. 8-13 fighters reported." }, { "id": "choke_spin_wersek", "name": "Choke Point, Spin Wersek", "lat": 34.0039, "lon": 68.8004, "diameter_ground_m": 200, "diameter_air_m": null, "ground_constrained": true, "air_constrained": false, "note": "Southern boundary of operational area. Rangers broke off pursuit here.", "coordinate_fix_note": "Coordinates corrected from erroneous duplicate of choke_tangi_college. Placed near Spin Wersek village consistent with mosque_spin_wersek, bridge_spin_wersek, and ranger_pursuit_limit positions. " } ] }, "visual_reference": { "title": "Visual Reference", "drone_flight": { "title": "Drone Flight Trace (Do Ab to Khan Khel)", "clip_time": "01:26-02:11", "duration_s": 46, "language": "Dari", "context": "Simulates Pilot's Eye View at approximately 500ft AGL of the Extortion 17 flight path, from the turn point into the Logar Valley through to 1km from shootdown point. Choke point constraints visible and consistent with dataset. Taliban flag visible at Gharanray. Garden at Gharanray visible — consistent with settled, long-term occupation of ground.", "correction": "The narrator identifies the road as the Kandahar/Kabul Highway. This is incorrect; it is the Tangi Road. The Highway is 8km East.", "cultural_note": "Garden at Gharanray is analytically relevant: indicates settled, permanent occupation. Pashtun warrior aesthetic integrates cultivation and combat. The fighter who tends a garden knows his ground intimately — where the afternoon shadow falls on the canyon wall, which rooftop gives the best sightline without skylighting. This is home ground, prepared and understood.", "url": "https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxFwtlsj_HKvmeFSDDG0vVpXFPcFW83pRM?si=RBPJw41kU8Qc8h8p" } } }