Mullah Omar & Osama Bin Laden's Hide-away

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit FOB Maholic, Maholic is located in the middle of Kandahar City.... It is named after a Special Ops soldier that gave his life in service to his nation. This particular location was home to Mullah Omar, Osama Bin Laden's Number One man. The home was built by Osama and he spent a great deal of time there. It also had a cave complex very near the home built into the mountain, close enough to retreat to if they needed shelter. Maholic is nestled in the valley, surrounded by mountains. It is so picturesque, I can see why we made it a base, not to mention having a pool built by Osama.... WOW....

This is a downed Russian Chopper that still lies on the side of the mountain. As you travel around this base, you can feel the history of this place. This place undoubtedly was quite strategic for Bin Laden and Mulah Omar. It was not only used for planning and shelter, but also for relaxation.

MAJ Shannon Goad and I at the entrance to Mullah Omar's cave. This cave was very well constructed, it had a toilet & shower, several rooms and three entry ways/exits. MAJ Goad mentors the Afghan National Police in the Kandahar Province. Shannon is also from South Carolina. These teams are constantly out in the city, facing danger everyday, interacting with the local populus and the police. They have been in numerous TICs (Troops in Contact) with the Taliban.. The entire US should be proud of these teams and what they do day in and day out. I was there to conduct a communications assessment, where I plan to extend the communications network that exist there, better improving the internet and communications access of these teams down-range. Oh, back to the cave.... going in this cave was just awesome, aside from an occasional bat and the darkness.

The hole in the floor below is the toilet, don't think I could get use to that kind of toilet... That squatting thing just is not American.... This cave not only had a toilet and shower, but electricity throughout as well.

Pictured below on the side of this mountain is a fuel tank that powered his underground cave. It had rocks laid all around it to disguise it. They undoubtedly could remain in this cave for months.

One of the multiple exits out of the cave, it is re-inforced with and inch and a half diameter reebar.

Below is a picture of the garden area re-designed by Special Forces. This is really a nicely designed compound with many connecting rooms. It is truly an Oasis in the middle of the desert.

My ride back to KAF. Afghanistan can be so beautiful, with the many years of war and impoverishment of its people, hurts bringing out how beautiful this place can be.

Now you see why the Taliban wants this place back. Just beyond the borders of this FOB is a city filled with danger. A few days ago the Taliban conducted an ambush down the road from this location where several US Special Forces were injured, some of which were flown to Germany to the hospital. We have adopted a phrase that captures how we focus. "Keep your head on the 360 swivel" Meaning always remain vigilant and alert, never let your guard down, because danger is a door-step away.