Dagger 22: U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan

Dagger 22 continues the account of Marine Special Operations Team 8222 in Bala Murghab, Afghanistan, following Michael Golembesky's previous book Level Zero Heroes. The narrative follows twenty-two Marines, call sign Dagger 22, stationed in the remote and hostile river valley during the Afghan winter. Working alongside Afghan and International Security Forces (NATO), the Marines conducted operations throughout the harsh winter to control the battlefield. Through successive firefights, they gradually encircled the village of Daneh Pasab and the Taliban command cell based there. On April 6, 2010, a combined force of U.S. Army Special Forces, Afghan Commandos, and Marine Corps special operations launched a night assault on the heavily entrenched Taliban position, aiming to break their control of the valley and prevent the spring offensive. The account documents how the operators of Dagger 22 relied on each other to complete their mission in one of the most challenging combat environments.