Chapter 1935 - 1422: Frost Raven Crossing the Border

Next morning, Baghdad International Airport.

A Qatar Airways Airbus A320 taxied on the runway and slowly docked in the cargo area away from the main terminal.

The cabin door opened, and five men in civilian clothes disembarked one by one.

They looked like ordinary business travelers or NGO workers, wearing casual pants, polo shirts, light jackets, and carrying regular carry-on luggage and travel bags.

But upon closer inspection, there were some discordant details.

These individuals were unusually fit, with muscles in their shoulders and arms straining against their clothes; their steps had a rhythm and alertness unique to soldiers; their eyes constantly scanned the surroundings, assessing each exit, each cover, and each potential threat.

Leading the group was a white male around forty, his shaved head slightly reflecting the airport lights, his physique as imposing as a moving fortress.

He went by the name "John Carter," and his passport showed that he was a Canadian "mining security consultant."

In reality, he was a former US Army Delta Force operator, real name Ryan, with a more well-known nickname—"Scarface."

This nickname came from a ten-centimeter-long scar above his left eyebrow, a permanent memento from grenade shrapnel during a night raid in Kandahar.

The other four members of the "Frost Raven" team were:

David Kovach, a former Seal Six sniper, responsible for long-range surveillance and precision strikes.

James "Jim" Holt, a former Delta Force explosives expert and communications officer.

Michael Chen, a former Army 75th Rangers reconnaissance specialist, skilled in infiltration and close-quarters combat.

Robert "Bob" Miller, a former Air Force combat controller, responsible for air-ground coordination and battlefield medical support.

The five of them quickly cleared customs at the airport; their passports were flawless, and their visas completely legal.

In fact, these documents were provided by Walker, each passport having genuine entry and exit records and credit history, enough to pass most countries' border checks.

Exiting the terminal, a grey Toyota Land Cruiser was already waiting by the roadside.

The driver nodded to signal them to get in.

The vehicle left the airport and merged into Baghdad's chaotic traffic.

"Check the gear."

"Scarface" turned around to retrieve five boxes from the trunk, distributing them to each person.

The five opened their respective boxes.

Inside were dismantled components of various weapons: SIG Sauer P226 pistols, the barrel and bolt of a Mc Millan TAC-50 sniper rifle, folding stocks of MP7A1 submachine guns, various optical sights, and silencers.

"Walker says the target lives in the Green Zone but frequently commutes between Baghdad and Mosul." Jim Holt said while checking the communication equipment: "He suggests we act on the road rather than in the Green Zone, where security is too tight and escape is difficult."

"We need to conduct detailed reconnaissance first." David Kovach said: "Route, schedule, security setup, escape channels. Standard procedure."

"Scarface" nodded: "Walker will provide intel. We'll meet him at the safe house tonight."

The Toyota drove through the rundown streets of Baghdad towards the western suburbs of the city.

This used to be a wealthy area, but now most buildings are either abandoned or occupied by various armed factions.

The driver stopped in front of a three-story villa, surrounded by high walls equipped with barbed wire and surveillance cameras.

The gate slowly opened, and the vehicle drove into the courtyard.

The interior of the safe house was simple but functional: generator, water tanks, satellite communication equipment, an armory, and even a small operating room.

The refrigerator was packed with frozen food and bottled water, enough for five people to survive for two weeks.

"Check your rooms and set up security," "Scarface" ordered: "Kovac, you're in charge of the rooftop observation post. Chen, check the perimeter defenses. Miller, test the communication equipment. Holt, work with me on planning potential operations."

The five operated like a well-oiled machine.

Each one was an experienced veteran, knowing what to do and how to cooperate.

This is the value of elite retired Special Forces personnel.

They don't need to synchronize, just mission details.

Three hours later, night fell, and Walker arrived at the safe house.

He had changed out of his military uniform, wearing civilian khakis and a shirt.

"Scarface, thank you for arriving so quickly." Walker shook hands with "Scarface," but his movements were somewhat hurried: "The situation is urgent."

"Start with the target."

"Scarface" went straight to the point.

Standing, he was half a head taller than Walker, his broad shoulders almost blocking out the light.

"Song Heping, a private military contractor. Here's his detailed dossier."

Walker opened a tablet, brought up the file, and handed it over to "Scarface."

"Is he cooperating with the CIA?"

After reading the data, "Scarface" slightly twitched the scar above his brow.

"In-depth cooperation," Walker said with a voice full of resentment: "Recently, he shelled the US Army joint task force base in Mosul, and Simon even helped broker a deal with the White House, granting him a special permit to receive surplus US military equipment. I was in charge of the handover, but this bastard intercepted my shipment and threatened to expose it."

"So this is a revenge mission." Jim Holt said, his tone not passing any judgment, merely confirming the fact.

"This is about eliminating a threat," Walker corrected: "Song Heping can only suffer an 'accidental' death with the backing behind Illiguo."