Attack on Bari Alai

Attack on Bari Alai (2009)
Part of the War in Afghanistan (2001–present)

Aftermath of attack on Observation Post Bari Alai (May 1st, 2009)
Date1 May 2009
Location
Observation Post Bari Alai, perimeter of Nishagam Kunar province, Afghanistan
Result Taliban success; OP destroyed
Belligerents
 United States
 Latvia
 Islamic Republic of Afghanistan		 Afghanistan Taliban
Units involved
United States 6/4 Cavalry 3rd Brigade 1st Infantry Division
Latvia 1st Infantry Battalion '1. Kājnieku'
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Afghan National Army		 Afghanistan Unknown
Strength
United States 3
Latvia 4
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan 25
Total: 32		 ~Unknown
Casualties and losses
United States 3 killed[1]
Latvia 2 killed, 2 wounded[2]
Islamic Republic of Afghanistan 3 killed, 12 captured[1]		 Unknown

The attack on Bari Alai (Battle of Nishagam)[1] was a Taliban insurgent attack on the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Observation Post (OP) Bari Alai in the perimeter of Nishagam in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. The attack was successful in being the first time during the war in Afghanistan, the Taliban had completely overrun a coalition outpost.[3][4] Survivors were few with the exception of two Latvian soldiers and a number of Afghan troops. The US detachment at the OP (three in total) were all killed in action.[2][5]

  1. ^ a b c Mockenhaupt, Brian (2009-11-01). "Fire on the Mountain". Outside Online. Retrieved 2016-12-24.
  2. ^ a b "Two soldiers die in Afghanistan attack".
  3. ^ "Army Staff SGT. William D. Vile". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
  4. ^ "Army SGT. James D. Pirtle". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-06-11.
  5. ^ "Army SPC. Ryan C. King". Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-06-11.