Sergeant Essa Khan saves Afghan Parliament
Yesterday, we talked a bit of the attack on the Afghan Parliament by Taliban suicide bombers and some follow-on riflemen. Today we learn of the story of Sergeant Essa Khan from Reuters;
Recalling the dramatic events, Khan told Reuters on Tuesday that as soon as a car bomb exploded outside the parliamentary compound, he prepared for more insurgents to attack.
“I started shooting them one by one. I counted six of them lying there. The last one (seventh) was killed by someone else.”
[…]
The 28-year-old even met President Ashraf Ghani, who called him a “brave son of this nation” and handed him the keys to a new apartment as a reward.
It’s no wonder that the Parliament carried on with their business inside like nothing had happened. They knew that soldiers like Sergeant Khan were outside to protect them.
Hamid Haidary, writing on Facebook, urged people to be careful about publishing photographs of Khan or his home, for fear insurgents may target him.
“God forbid our love will harm Essa Khan or his family,” he said.
Khan himself said he was not afraid.
“A male sheep is for sacrifice. I have sworn to God I will keep my head high and fight. I will sacrifice my life for this country.”
Category: Terror War
I am truly sorry to say this but he’s now a walking dead man.
I concur, he’s going to be a significant target now for the Taliban.
They’ll take him out just to gain more propaganda for their “cause”.
I don’t understand why this occurs. It should be enough that the security force is congratulated. (Of course, the bomb was delivered and detonated, wasn’t it?) Then, quite privately, the grateful ministers can reward the soldier.
Bring him to US give him citizenship and let the guy rest. Join our Military and use his knowledge to track and attack.
They should not of published his picture. This is a real warrior, unlike BERNATH
Word
Oblig…..
Afghanistan needs to clone that man…
Or at the very least, figure out where he went right and duplicate it with other soldiers.
‘A male sheep is for sacrifice.’
SGT Khan is one hot tamale.
Dang, I hit the report button by mistake.
I think you are right. That man is hell on wheels. If we could clone him and drop the result into the Iraqi Army Isis might be in for a rough ride.
A sheep dog for sure and a following comment it correct I think. He just called every guy that ducked and covered a pussy.
Kahn = Sheep Dog
I think he called most other male Afgans PUSSIES …
But what do I know.
Now THERE is a man and a warrior!
His is the kind that will eventually die, but when he does, it will be surrounded by a pile of empty brass and corpses.
He’s already ahead 6:0.
6 ahead that we know of. Doesn’t seem to be this man’s first rodeo…
Since Star Trek has already been been brought up with the obvious Khan connection
https://youtu.be/VYPsoxpt0BU
If you’re going to use a movie analogy, I think the Zulu warriors who tried to beat the Brits in ‘Zulu’ and left the field while chanting a congratulatory war song to the Brit survivors would do the same for this guy.
I also like the Maori haka.
https://youtu.be/B5js6wPXec4
Gotta love the Infantry from all over the civilized world.
They do it right.
Thank You, Ex-PH2 for that clip. It made my day.
Mine, too, CLAW131.
I get chills every time I see this video. Love it!
I got tears this time, Valkyrie.
The first time I saw a haka during a funeral procession I thought it was kinda weird even though I sort of got it. I knew it was there way of honoring their fallen, but it didn’t click.
But then just now I recalled the ending of “The Ten Thousand” by Harold Coyle. The scene at the end where the Corps has been brought to safety in honor. There is a procession of armored vehicles into the final perimeter and down to the sea. The Corps staff salutes the vehicles and the officer in each vehicle return their salutes. Then the last vehicle comes by with the body. The officer in the turret does not return the salute and stares straight ahead because he was not the one being saluted.
The haka is given; the haka could not be returned.
And why do I relate to fiction quicker than reality?Maybe because my brain like Pluto’s orbit—tilted from the plane of the ecliptic.
While many probably did not have the same experience as me, I had the good fortune of serving with many like Sgt Khan, I was lucky to get partnered with good Kandaks, that truly wanted their nation to be free and were willing to fight for it. Stories like these give me hope, that maybe, just maybe Afghanistan can make it. Remember, it was not always a war-torn hellhole, and was once, not so long ago, fairly progressive and stable.
He did a great job and I give him all due credit and respect for that but what? You mean, keys to a new apartment for doing his job as a soldier? Wow they sure have a different idea of what an ARCOM, Silver Star or Bronze Star with “V” are there! Were I Khan, I would have said, “Hey thanks Pres! But you mean, a new apartment…and no virgins!!!??? Really!”.
Please know everyone, I was writing in jest. I do have the highest regard for Sgt. Khan. I also sympathize that they have made him so public and the possible consequences for that.
I’d add that at least they are appreciative to him.
Our President is giving us pink slips for doing our job…
True this!!!
While I commend this man for his actions, I remain unconvinced his sentiments are shared by enough Afghans to make a difference over the long term. There are many who prospered with the Taliban and no doubt would enjoy the opportunity to do so again even at the expense of their countrymen.
I would be truly happy to be proven wrong, as I don’t believe a return to the Taliban benefits anyone in Afghanistan or the rest of the world.