September 1985. Afghanistan, Kandahar Province.
According to agent intelligence, a large caravan carrying weapons and ammunition has arrived in the area of the village of Feruz-Abad. The cargo was delivered from Pakistan and left in a district controlled by the mujahideen — another large detachment, already moving toward the village, is to collect it.
The Soviet command has extremely few forces in this locality. The closest units are two: the reconnaissance company of the 70th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, operating a few kilometers from the village, and a group from the 173rd Separate Special Purpose Detachment, which has been conducting observation in this same area for a second day. Neither in numbers nor in firepower are they comparable to the forces the enemy will soon bring up to Feruz-Abad.
The decision taken is risky, but it is the only one that allows the caravan not to be missed: destroy the guard force and the cargo with a surprise strike, then dig in on the commanding heights near the village and meet the receiving detachment from prepared positions. The area is to be held until the brigade's reserve arrives.
Time determines everything. If the caravan is not destroyed before the receiving party arrives, the small Soviet force will have to fight two large enemy groups at once.
