Operation Raven

By Brian Leslie

The waves crashed violently against the rugged Somali coastline, the salty spray hanging thick in the night air. Beneath the cloak of darkness, a specialized unit known only as RAVEN (Rapid Assault and Visual Engagement Network) was carrying out a covert operation - one that would strike at the heart of the piracy threat plaguing the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters. 

Their target was Abdullahi, the cunning and ruthless kingpin who had turned the small coastal town of Eyl into the nerve center for pirate operations along the Horn of Africa. From this unassuming outpost, he orchestrated brazen hijackings and held international cargo ships and crews for ransom, amassing a fortune through fear and violence on the high seas.

RAVEN's elite four-person team had been meticulously selected for this high-stakes mission. Michael Reynoso, a sniper with a steady hand and hawk-like vision, constantly scanned the terrain through his rifle scope. Mark Morrow, demolitions expert, carried an array of specialized explosives - his tools to breach any obstacle. The intelligence officer, Jerry Brewer, had committed every scrap of intel to memory, his mind a veritable map of the area. And Elsie Lundstrom, hardened extraction specialist, would ensure they made it out alive.

After inserting via HALO jump under cover of night, they swiftly made their way inland towards Eyl. Evading roving pirate lookouts, they navigated the desert terrain and finally reached the outskirts of the ramshackle village in the early hours. 

Their intelligence pinpointed Abdullahi's compound near the center of town. As the muezzin's call to prayer echoed through the dusty streets, RAVEN initiated their daring assault. Morrow's expertly-placed charges blew open an entry point, allowing the team to pour in with split-second timing. 

In a blinding firefight, they battled their way through Abdullahi's personal guards, pushing deeper into the heavily-fortified compound. Reynoso's rifle barked from overwatch positions, taking out hostiles with surgical precision. 

At last, they found their prey - the pirate leader cornered in his inner sanctum, his cruelty etched into the hardened lines of his face. But the wily Abdullahi had one last card to play, detonating explosives that brought the entire structure down upon them.

When the dust settled, RAVEN emerged battered but victorious, Abdullahi's lifeless body in tow. Lundstrom quickly coordinated their exfiltration as daylight crept over the horizon. A small boat awaited them just offshore in the Gulf of Aden to whisk them away from the scene. 

As the Somali coast shrank behind them, the RAVEN team caught their breath, their daring raid successfully severing one of the heads of the region's piracy threat. Though the road was long, they had struck a decisive blow - and would be ready when duty called again.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: True American Publishing
• Release date: May 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224255283

Brian Leslie

Brian Leslie is a Nationally Recognized Coercive Interrogation Expert, Commercial Fiction Writer and Best Selling Author. He is regularly retained by Federal, State, and Military Courts on high-profile murder cases throughout the United States. www.brianlesliemedia.com 

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

The waves crashed violently against the rugged Somali coastline, the salty spray hanging thick in the night air. Beneath the cloak of darkness, a specialized unit known only as RAVEN (Rapid Assault and Visual Engagement Network) was carrying out a covert operation - one that would strike at the heart of the piracy threat plaguing the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters.

––––––––

Their target was Abdullahi, the cunning and ruthless kingpin who had turned the small coastal town of Eyl into the nerve center for pirate operations along the Horn of Africa. From this unassuming outpost, he orchestrated brazen hijackings and held international cargo ships and crews for ransom, amassing a fortune through fear and violence on the high seas.

––––––––

RAVEN's elite four-person team had been meticulously selected for this high-stakes mission. Michael Reynoso, a sniper with a steady hand and hawk-like vision, constantly scanned the terrain through his rifle scope. Mark Morrow, demolitions expert, carried an array of specialized explosives - his tools to breach any obstacle. The intelligence officer, Jerry Brewer, had committed every scrap of intel to memory, his mind a veritable map of the area. And Elsie Lundstrom, hardened extraction specialist, would ensure they made it out alive.

––––––––

After inserting via HALO jump under cover of night, they swiftly made their way inland towards Eyl. Evading roving pirate lookouts, they navigated the desert terrain and finally reached the outskirts of the ramshackle village in the early hours.

––––––––

Their intelligence pinpointed Abdullahi's compound near the center of town. As the muezzin's call to prayer echoed through the dusty streets, RAVEN initiated their daring assault. Morrow's expertly-placed charges blew open an entry point, allowing the team to pour in with split-second timing.

––––––––

In a blinding firefight, they battled their way through Abdullahi's personal guards, pushing deeper into the heavily-fortified compound. Reynoso's rifle barked from overwatch positions, taking out hostiles with surgical precision.

––––––––

At last, they found their prey - the pirate leader cornered in his inner sanctum, his cruelty etched into the hardened lines of his face. But the wily Abdullahi had one last card to play, detonating explosives that brought the entire structure down upon them.

––––––––

When the dust settled, RAVEN emerged battered but victorious, Abdullahi's lifeless body in tow. Lundstrom quickly coordinated their exfiltration as daylight crept over the horizon. A small boat awaited them just offshore in the Gulf of Aden to whisk them away from the scene.

––––––––

As the Somali coast shrank behind them, the RAVEN team caught their breath, their daring raid successfully severing one of the heads of the region's piracy threat. Though the road was long, they had struck a decisive blow - and would be ready when duty called again.

CHAPTER 1

The low hum of the projector filled the dimly lit room as the RAVEN team huddled around a tactical map that cast a ghostly glow on their faces. The image displayed was a detailed layout of their target location, and each member studied it with focused intensity.

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Everyone got their sectors memorized? Michael Reynoso, known as Hawk Eye, asked without looking up from his rifle. He methodically adjusted the straps of his gear, ensuring that everything was in its proper place. His fingers trailed along the cool metal of the weapon, checking each component with practiced precision. In his mind, he calculated distances and wind speeds, envisioning how each potential shot would play out in the field.

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Roger that, boss, came a chorus of affirmatives from his teammates.

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Good. This mission is crucial. Michael's voice was measured, commanding respect and attention from his fellow operatives. Our target, Abdullahi Farah, represents a major threat to regional stability. We take him out, and we make a significant dent in their operations.

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As the team continued to discuss their individual assignments, Michael allowed himself a moment to assess his comrades. Their camaraderie was evident in every interaction, their trust in one another forged through countless missions and shared hardships. It was this bond that had carried them through adversity time and time again, and it would see them through this operation as well.

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Thirty seconds out, Elsie Lundstrom, the extraction specialist, announced as she checked her watch. Her eyes scanned the room, vigilant and protective, ensuring that no detail was overlooked.

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Alright, gear up, Michael commanded. We move in silent and quick. Our window for extraction is tight, so stick to the plan and stay sharp.

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Tension thickened in the air as the team members began strapping on their equipment, the weight of their task settling upon them. They exchanged nods and brief words of encouragement, their determination shining through in the steeliness of their gazes.

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Let's do this, Michael muttered, mostly to himself. He knew the stakes were high, but he had faith in his team and in his own abilities. As a sniper, he was trained to wait, watch, and strike when the moment was right. This mission would be no different.

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As one, the RAVEN team exited the room and moved swiftly and silently down a dimly lit corridor. Their movements were fluid and efficient, each member fully aware of their role and the task that lay ahead. With every step, they drew closer to their objective, ready to confront whatever challenges awaited them on the Somali coastline.

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In the dimly lit room, a bead of sweat trickled down Mark Morrow's forehead as he bent over his collection of specialized explosives. The small glow from the tactical map cast eerie shadows over his muscular frame. Nicknamed Brick by his fellow RAVEN team members, Mark was known for his ability to think on his feet and remain calm under pressure.

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Hey Brick, Michael called out to him, Everything in order?

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Mark glanced up, his eyes sharp and alert. You know me, Mike. I wouldn't trust these babies with anyone else. He gave one of the charges a gentle pat, the hint of a grin playing on his lips. Just like clockwork.

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Good to know, Michael replied, nodding in approval.

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As Mark continued his meticulous inspection, ensuring each explosive was primed and ready, Jerry Brewer sat hunched over a stack of documents and photographs. His glasses reflected the faint light as he committed every detail to memory. Known as The Brain for his analytical prowess, Jerry brought an invaluable level of expertise to the team.

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Jerry, you got anything new for us? Mark asked without looking up, continuing to adjust the settings on an explosive.

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Nothing we haven't already covered, Jerry replied, flipping through another set of photographs. But it never hurts to triple-check.

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Triple-checking? You're slacking off, Brain, Mark teased, his quick wit momentarily diffusing the tension in the room. Though focused on their respective tasks, their camaraderie was evident – a bond forged over countless missions together.

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Quadruple-checking gets me a headache, Jerry shot back with a smirk, pausing in his perusal of the intel.

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Alright, boys and girls Michael said, stepping forward to address the group. Stay sharp and stick to the plan. We've trained for this, now let's get it done.

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As Mark secured the last of his explosives to his belt and Jerry tucked away the documents, both men felt the anticipation simmering beneath the surface. They exchanged a brief glance and nodded in unison – an unspoken promise to have each other's backs.

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Let's make some noise, eh? Mark quipped, offering a half-smile to Jerry.

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Quietly, Jerry reminded him, chuckling under his breath.

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With practiced efficiency, the team members geared up, strapped on their equipment, and checked their weapons one last time. Their thoughts were a mix of focus, determination, and the ever-present, silent prayer that each member would make it out alive.

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RAVEN team, move out, Michael commanded, his voice steady and authoritative.

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Together, they set off down the dimly lit corridor, each step bringing them closer to the mission that lay ahead. The weight of responsibility hung heavy on their shoulders, but they knew they could rely on one another to face whatever challenges awaited them on the Somali coastline. And as they moved as one cohesive unit, their resolve only grew stronger.

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Elsie Lundstrom stood like a sentinel near the entrance, her piercing blue eyes scanning the room with a vigilant and protective gaze. The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to taste, yet she remained unflappable.

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Listen up, RAVEN team. Michael's voice cut through the silence, steady and commanding as he stepped forward. Elsie's gaze shifted to him, noting his unwavering focus, much like her own.

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Abdullahi Farah is our primary target. This man has been responsible for countless acts of terror and violence. It's time to put an end to his reign, Michael continued. Elsie knew well the importance of this mission, but hearing it echoed by their leader only served to solidify her resolve.

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Jerry, I want you to keep us informed on any changes in enemy movement. We need to be one step ahead at all times, Michael directed, nodding towards Jerry who gave a curt acknowledgment.

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Mark, your demolition expertise will be crucial in creating diversions and securing our exit route. Make sure we have a way out when things go south, he said, receiving an affirmative grunt from Mark.

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Roger that, boss, Mark replied, his fingers drumming against the explosives strapped to his belt.

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Finally, Michael turned to Elsie. Elsie, you're our extraction specialist. Getting us in and out safely is top priority. We trust you to navigate the treacherous terrain and keep us out of harm's way.

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Understood, Elsie said, her voice firm. She had carried teams through hell and back before, and RAVEN would be no different. Her thoughts were solely focused on the task at hand, her mind already mapping out possible escape routes based on Jerry's intel.

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Remember, we're a team. Our success depends on our ability to work together and trust each other, Michael reminded them, his gaze meeting each of theirs in turn.

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Let's get this done and make it home in one piece, he added. The team members exchanged nods and brief words of encouragement, their determination evident in their eyes.

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RAVEN team, move out! Michael commanded, signaling the start of their mission. Elsie felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins as they exited the room and began their journey towards the Somali coastline. With every step, she silently vowed to bring all her teammates back alive.

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Elsie caught a glimpse of her own reflection in the polished surface of a nearby metal locker, her piercing blue eyes intense and focused. Michael's voice echoed through the dimly lit room as he stressed their mission's importance, and she couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility on her shoulders.

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Hey Elsie, Mark called out from across the room, lightening the tense atmosphere with his usual humor. You think I could get a ride on one of those fancy extraction vehicles of yours sometime? I mean, just for fun.

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She cracked a small smile, appreciating his attempt to alleviate the pressure. Sure thing, Brick, she replied, using his nickname. But only if you promise not to blow it up.

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Deal, Mark chuckled, holding up his hand as if swearing an oath.

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Alright, folks, Michael interjected, his hawk-like gaze never leaving the tactical map projected on the wall. Gear up!

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As the team members began strapping on their equipment, Elsie noticed Jerry carefully adjusting the straps on his vest. Need a hand there, Brain? she asked, using his nickname with a teasing tone.

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Thanks, Lundstrom, but I've got this, Jerry replied, his eyes remaining focused on the task at hand. He appreciated Elsie's concern, but he also knew that each member of RAVEN had their own way of preparing for a mission.

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Gotcha, Elsie said, turning her attention back to her own gear. She methodically checked her extraction harness, ensuring every buckle was secure and ready for action. The familiar weight of her sidearm settled against her hip, its presence both comforting and a reminder of the danger they were about to face.

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Hey Hawk Eye, Mark called out to Michael, who was busy checking his rifle scope. What's our over-under on making it back without a scratch?

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Depends on how well you do your job, Brick, Michael replied dryly, not looking up from his rifle.

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Ouch, Mark winced playfully, clutching at his chest as if struck by an arrow. You wound me, sir.

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Alright team, cut the chatter and finish gearing up, Michael ordered, his tone firm yet understanding of their camaraderie. They all knew that these moments of levity helped to keep them grounded in the face of the challenges ahead.

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With a final check of their weapons and equipment, the RAVEN team members fell into a tight formation, their faces set with grim determination. Elsie's mind raced through possible extraction scenarios, but she also found solace in the knowledge that she was surrounded by the best of the best. The trust they had in one another would be their greatest weapon in the coming battle.

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Let's move out, Michael commanded, leading the team out of the dimly lit room and down the corridor towards their departure point. Each step brought them closer to their objective and the dangerous mission that lay before them.

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The silence that fell over the room was heavy, like a thick layer of fog slowly descending. The RAVEN team members moved with an almost mechanical precision, their habitual banter replaced by a palpable tension, as if each one were holding their breath. Michael's eyes scanned his comrades, taking in the grim set of their jaws and the intensity burning in their gazes. He knew they all felt the weight of the mission bearing down on them, but it was important not to let fear take the upper hand.

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Remember, we've trained for this, Michael said, breaking the silence. His voice held a note of steel, though he kept his tone low and steady. We know what we're up against, and we're as prepared as we'll ever be.

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Damn right, Hawk Eye, Mark replied, his voice carrying an undercurrent of resolve. We've got this, just like always. He finished securing a bundle of explosives to his belt and gave a firm nod to Michael.

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Brick is right, Elsie chimed in, her words measured and authoritative. This isn't our first rodeo. We've faced danger before, and we've made it through together. We'll do it again.

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Agreed, Jerry added, tucking a final piece of intelligence into his vest pocket. We have the intel, the equipment, and the skill. Most importantly, we have each other.

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Michael caught the eye of each member in turn, an unspoken bond passing between them. This was more than just a team; they were a unit forged from countless hours of training, shared hardships, and unwavering trust. It was this unity that would see them through the coming storm.

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Alright, Michael said, clasping a hand on Mark's shoulder and then moving to the others, sharing similar gestures of camaraderie and reassurance. Let's make sure we all come back in one piece.

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Copy that, Elsie responded, her eyes meeting Michael's with a fierce determination. The others echoed their agreement, their voices firm and resolute.

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With their resolve solidified, the RAVEN team members exchanged final nods of encouragement as they made their way to the exit, each one steeling themselves for the challenges ahead. It was time for action, and they would face it together.

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The door to the briefing room hissed shut behind them, sealing off the tense atmosphere like an airlock. Michael Reynoso led the way, his long strides eating up the distance down the dimly lit corridor as the rest of RAVEN team followed in single file.

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Bravo One, this is Hawk Eye, he whispered into his earpiece, his voice barely audible. We're moving out.

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Copy that, Hawk Eye, came the reply from Bravo One, their support and extraction team leader. We'll be waiting at the rendezvous point.

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Appreciate it, Michael murmured, his eyes scanning every shadow for potential threats. His mind raced with contingency plans, possible ambushes, and the fate of his teammates resting on his shoulders.

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Hey, Hawk Eye, Mark's voice crackled over the comm, the hint of a smile in his tone. Just remember – we've got your back.

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Always do, Brick, Michael replied, allowing himself a small, fleeting smile.

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Stay focused, everyone, Elsie interjected, her voice firm yet reassuring. Keep your eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary.

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Roger that, Lundstrom, Jerry acknowledged, his gaze never wavering from the task at hand.

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As they rounded the final corner, a large transport vehicle loomed before them, its dark, hulking frame blending seamlessly with the shadows. The team members moved swiftly and silently towards it, their years of training and