As I new reader I found the thread on the Apache gun run video interesting. Here is a little background info from someone (me) who was there:
The video was shot on Dec 1st, at the north gate of LSA Anaconda, near Balad, Iraq. We had been getting mortared all day, and snipers had killed a local contractor at the North gate and injured a soldier at the South gate. 107mm Chinese Rockets had also been launched into the camp, which housed the 21st Combat Support Hospital.
The Iraqis had attempted to shoot down medevac helicopters with RPGs. This scene was outside the North gate, directly inline with the air field, which launches numerous heavy lift cargo planes at all hours.
Be sure and watch the FULL video, which shows the Iraqis running into the field to place an object, reported to be a SA-7, surface to air missile. Also note the individual behind the tractor as he removes the cover from the weapon to fire at the helicopter. Firing distance was reported to be 1.75 miles from the targets.
Just one engagement in a very long day of combat. For the Apache pilots, it is business as usual.
