Chapter 7: Rescue

If it is a pressure-triggered landmine, it is indeed quite troublesome. Once pressure is released, it will explode. If that is truly the case, they have no way to deal with it.

Currently, our two tank soldiers are being used as live mines, which is unprecedented. Moreover, it is not the case that these two tank soldiers are carrying explosives for our side; they are fully aware that any movement on their part will trigger an explosion. This is indeed the first time such a situation has occurred

At the top, there is a massive five-blade rotor stirring the air, producing a loud noise. The two bubble-shaped cockpits in the front are arranged at different heights, while at the back is a spacious fuselage, resembling a pregnant doe. Therefore, this helicopter has also been nicknamed "Doe" by NATO.

"Then how come you two weren't killed by the guerrillas?" asked Sheloan. "That group of Afghan guerrillas often skins their captives alive."

The company commander, thinking of the company commander, these two individuals did not know what to say. In the circumstances at that time, the company commander seemed to have done nothing wrong. However, upon reflection, it appears that among the dozens of people in that guerrilla group, only two were carrying rocket launchers.

Ilich shook his head: "I do not smoke"

It was lit, placed in the mouth for a puff, and then stuffed into Markov's mouth

Slowly, they approached closer and closer. As long as there was an attack against them, the helicopter overhead could provide support at the first moment. Therefore, although they were cautious, there was no need for excessive worry.

"We lost two tanks, four retreated safely, and one was hit by an RPG, with the occupants not emerging. Our armored vehicle suffered a mechanical failure and overturned. We crawled out, but shortly after, both the commander and the gunner were killed by the guerrillas," Markov said, his throat dry, feeling as if each word he uttered was a torment to his voice.

Therefore, the helicopter behind should gain some altitude and remain vigilant of the surroundings

He brought the telescope to his eyes, and immediately, he saw very clearly that there were two tank soldiers, but their fate was unknown. In the distance, there were also two corpses.

On the battlefield, one may sacrifice at any moment if not careful, and this is something everyone is mentally prepared for. However, in many cases, it is the Soviets who have planted deceptive mines, for instance, in abandoned tanks or on discarded weapons. If the Afghan guerrillas see them, they will certainly attempt to pick them up, and as soon as they touch them, they will explode

Flying low in a circle, ahead lies a vast expanse of open land

Smoking is strictly prohibited on the battlefield, as it can reveal one's position and may also accidentally cause a fire. However, when actually on the battlefield, smoking becomes a way for soldiers to relieve stress.

However, I have not heard of Afghan guerrillas possessing landmines; it is already remarkable that they have outdated AKM rifles in their hands

As the hatch opened, the squad leader of the reconnaissance team, Xie Luo'an, was the first to jump down

"Attention, we are about to enter the designated airspace, descend in altitude, and look for our armored vehicle," said Colonel Ivanov from the helicopter in front.

"Your company commander has abandoned you like this, without coming to your rescue?" asked Shelkov.

The squad leader said, "There are two people sitting together up ahead, very close to the tank." At this moment, one of the scouts in front spoke up, stating that he could see very clearly.

Xie Luo'an observed that the entire infantry squad had disembarked, and immediately waved his hand, signaling them to disperse and slowly move towards their two abandoned tanks.

In front is the valley mentioned in the intelligence report

Therefore, seeing these two individuals beside the tank, it is certain that they have encountered guerrillas. Now, they are still in good condition, with no parts missing from their bodies, which makes Sheloan quite curious

The landing gear slowly extended, and then the tires made contact with the ground. The hydraulic shock absorbers of the tires retracted slightly, causing the entire fuselage to sway momentarily before finally coming to a stable stop

"Hey, shorty, are you still alive?" someone shouted from a distance

However, if one views this helicopter as a gentle doe, that would be a grave mistake. Not to mention the machine gun mounted beneath the nose, which is always ready to take lives, just the sight of the rocket pods attached to the short wings on either side is quite intimidating. Those large-caliber rockets can rain down at any moment, turning everything on the ground into ashes

"Forget it, this is a matter for Jalalabad. Let me first take out what is beneath your behind," said Shelov.

Two helicopters, while in operation, provide mutual cover for each other. Now, they have spotted their own tanks. Ivanov's helicopter needs to land in an open area to drop off the reconnaissance team behind, who will then proceed to search. This process involves the most dangerous phases of takeoff and landing.

His words were simultaneously delivered to the ears of the wingman and the crew members on board behind him

With this sound, two large helicopters flew by at an altitude of 800 meters, separated from each other by 1,000 meters

"Be careful, there are landmines underfoot," said Sheloan

"The ground beneath us could explode at any moment. For over an hour, we haven't dared to move. Fortunately, you have finally arrived," said Markov, licking his cracked lips.

Sherlov lit another one and handed it to Ilyich

The sound of propellers slicing through the air echoed in the sky, rumbling and thundering.

Markov looked at Shelov with gratitude, took two deep breaths, and then picked it up with his hand.

The received battle report indicated that there was a large number of Afghan guerrillas, and our tank units were in a precarious situation, which prompted their urgent deployment. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the tank units had already withdrawn, leaving behind these two soldiers who had been toyed with by the Afghan guerrillas

After more than two years of combat, the Soviet troops stationed in Afghanistan established a reconnaissance company in almost every battalion, composed of the most outstanding soldiers, who undertook the most arduous tasks

No, it is our person," said the scout

Although modern tanks are considerably more spacious than those from World War II, the interior space remains cramped. Therefore, one important requirement for becoming a tank crew member is height

"Milo, stay back, that is an order." Shelov ignored Milo and glanced around: "You all hide behind that big rock, do not peek out."

Upon hearing this, Xie Luo'an boldly approached and said, "Shorty, is it just the two of you here? Where are the others?"

"Is he an Afghan?" Shiloan asked

Markov understood that the shouting from the person opposite him was not meant with malice; however, given the current situation, he was not in the mood for jokes

Even so, they still turned their gaze to both sides, entering the mountainous area. At this moment, the helicopter's altitude decreased, and it could encounter various emergencies at any time

If these two individuals are unscathed, it is highly likely to be a trap; therefore, the closer he gets, the more cautious Xie Luo'an becomes

Rushing in like a swarm is the most foolish action; if there happens to be a fearless Afghan inside the tank, a burst of bullets could take down a whole group of them

There are many legends about guerrillas, and for Soviet soldiers, guerrillas are like demons. If captured by guerrillas, being able to die a quick death is considered a form of luck

Was someone treated as a trap? Upon hearing this, Xie Luo'an became cautious

The Mi-24 helicopter has demonstrated remarkable activity on the battlefield in Afghanistan. Although it suffered significant losses due to mechanical failures in the early stages, the Mil Design Bureau has since made further improvements to the Mi-24 helicopter, increasing the engine power and enhancing stability during aggressive maneuvers by the pilots. Additionally, as the pilots have gradually become more familiar with the realities of war, their proficiency in operating the helicopter has been continuously improving. The Mil Design Bureau has made further enhancements to the Mi-24 helicopter, increasing engine power and improving stability during aggressive maneuvers by the pilots, while the pilots' proficiency in operating the helicopter has been steadily advancing as they become more accustomed to the demands of warfare.

The reconnaissance soldier was set down, and the helicopter took off again. At this moment, another helicopter was to descend to drop off soldiers, while Ivanov's helicopter required cover

Although Sherlov is very confident, excluding the possibility of hidden dangers, it is still very dangerous. In order to prevent any unforeseen circumstances, it is necessary to ensure that others reach a safe place.

He sat down on the grenade? Sherlov nonchalantly took a box of Pamir cigarettes out of his pocket

Ivanov gently lowered the total distance with his left hand, while his right hand firmly grasped the control stick. The doe descended slowly like a gentle fawn, as the propeller blew the surrounding sand and soil into the air.

No guerrillas from Afghanistan have been discovered yet

This should be a tank crew

We are all still alive, but we are almost about to die soon. Markov said, "The Afghan guerrillas left an hour ago; you arrived too quickly."

"Squad leader, let me do it," said a soldier behind him. Disarming the concealed explosives is inherently dangerous, and at this moment, he rushed forward because the squad leader had saved his life before

The helicopter flew past, and from a distance, Ivanov saw on one side of the valley two tanks that had been hit

Sitting together, not dead yet? Sheroan took out the telescope; the sunlight was too glaring just now, and he couldn't see clearly.

At present, the same applies to Sherlov; in order to save these two unfortunate tank soldiers, it is necessary to first stabilize his emotions

It seems that the Afghan guerrillas are indeed quite foolish. Sheloan asked, "What is under your butt?"

The commander of that tank company seems to be due for disciplinary action

Following him, a person jumped down, and the two formed a fan-shaped defense. The several soldiers behind also followed suit and jumped down.

Upon hearing his words, the two infantry squads contained within the large belly of the doe also directed their gaze downward.

"When that damned guerrilla left, he said we were sitting on a pressure mine, but I think, long and behold, we were actually sitting on a grenade's grip," said Ilyich

This time, the scouts from these two squads will go to rescue a tank company of our side that has been attacked, supported by two helicopters. They are very confident that by the time they arrive, the Afghan guerrillas may have already fled.

"Target identified, 500 meters ahead, 02, maintain vigilance." Ivanov shouted over the radio

Sherlov did not realize that the place he sent others to was the most dangerous one. What he faced was not the indigenous Afghan guerrillas, but opponents from another world, trained rigorously in special forces and with countless real combat experiences. The booby traps set by Muhammad were not merely a means of scaring people by using a hand grenade as a pressure-triggered mine