DAY 49: Wailing Attack Sirens

Fri, 14 October 2005

At 2150 zulu (2:20am), the base attack siren starts wailing. Most of us are in REM sleep and I awaken to realize that this is something VERY serious. Though we had a single rocket attack earlier in the tour, this is the first time the alarm goes off base-wide. My adrenaline is pumping knowing that this could be an imminent attack. So, I quickly get dressed and wake up another tent mate who is still asleep. We then head out to the nearest concrete bunker – B129 – and a couple of other folks soon join us. I realize the irony of this bunker number as my unit is the 129th Rescue Wing. Anyway, word filters down that a fuel truck had exploded – they were still unsure whether this was an attack or an accident. But all of us agree that we heard gunfire and a M-60 rocket go off on the south side of base a few hours earlier, so the possibility that this could be a concerted attack was very real. The Taliban – my speculation – was active and launching a small attack on us. After huddling outside in the bunker for 35 minutes – with temps in the 50s – the event was over at 2225 zulu (2:55am) and we head back to our tents.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in this incident. But from my discussions with others who have been here for a while, the last major attack occurred in July and the rocket mortar hit a KBR civilian tent. One person suffered minor injuries while a second had shrapnel that sliced across his throat. The second individual still remains in the hospital to this day because of the severities of his injuries. I’m counting down the days – 3 more days before we depart. Keep your fingers crossed for no more incidents…

Update: Once I arrived at work, I confirmed that this was a coordinated effort with attacks on both ends of the base. On one side, 4 fuel trucks were hit and then exploded. On the opposite side of the base, rocket mortar shrapnel hit some British aircraft. Definitely the biggest attack on this base since July.