12 Strong: The True Story Behind Netflix's War Drama
A True Story of Courage and Sacrifice
In 2018, Netflix released the war drama film "12 Strong," based on the true story of the first U.S. Special Forces team to infiltrate Afghanistan after 9/11. Directed by Nicolai Fuglsig and written by Ted Tally and Peter Craig, the film stars Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, and Michael Peña.
The True Story Behind the Film
The film is based on the book "Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of U.S. Soldiers Who Rode into Afghanistan for the Very First Time and Defeated the Taliban" by Doug Stanton. The book tells the story of the U.S. Army's 5th Special Forces Group, also known as the "Horse Soldiers," who were tasked with infiltrating Afghanistan to gather intelligence and support the Northern Alliance in their fight against the Taliban.
The Mission
On September 12, 2001, the day after the 9/11 attacks, a team of 12 Green Berets, led by Captain Mitch Nelson (played by Chris Hemsworth), were sent to Afghanistan to conduct a reconnaissance mission. Their objective was to gather intelligence on the Taliban and their Al-Qaeda allies, and to support the Northern Alliance in their fight against the Taliban.
The Daring Rescue
The team, which included Chief Warrant Officer Hal Spencer (played by Michael Shannon), Sergeant First Class Sam Diller (played by Trevante Rhodes), and others, faced numerous challenges as they rode horseback through the rugged terrain of Afghanistan. They encountered fierce Taliban resistance, and at one point, they were ambushed and forced to make a daring rescue to save their comrades.
The Battle of Mazar-i-Sharif
The climax of the film takes place during the Battle of Mazar-i-Sharif, where the Horse Soldiers, along with the Northern Alliance, fought against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces. The battle was intense and brutal, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. However, the Horse Soldiers' bravery and expertise ultimately led to the defeat of the Taliban and the liberation of the city.
The Aftermath
The success of the Horse Soldiers' mission was a significant turning point in the War in Afghanistan. It marked the beginning of a long and difficult journey for the people of Afghanistan, but also demonstrated the bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. Special Forces.
The Legacy
"12 Strong" is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Horse Soldiers, and a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve in the U.S. military. The film is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the true story of courage and sacrifice, and is a must-watch for anyone interested in military history or war dramas.
