Retired Green Beret won’t give up fight to deliver Afghan commando who fought Taliban to safety
in August 2021 marked the start of retired Green Beret John Paluska’s fight to keep his Afghan brother in arms, Habib, from facing a gruesome death at the hands of the Taliban. After Habib found temporary reprieve by getting himself to Turkey, Paluska flew to Istanbul to find his friend a pathway to safety in the US. Unfortunately, he found that Habib’s journey to freedom is far from over.
Paluska met Habib while the men were together at a forward operating base in eastern Afghanistan’s Ghazni province in 2013. Habib was an intelligence sergeant in an elite Afghan National Army Special Operations Command unit. Because of his strong English, Habib developed friendships with Paluska and other Green Berets.The Green Berets’ ANASOC counterparts were vital in conducting joint operations, building rapport with leaders, and establishing which civilians had ill intent.
By May 2022, frustrated by living under constant risk, Habib attempted to flee to Turkey. He was arrested, detained by Turkish border police, and turned over to Iranian forces. While his friend was being imprisoned, beaten and starved for two weeks, Paluska said he “thought Habib was dead.” Habib was an intelligence sergeant in an elite Afghan National Army Special Operations Command unit.John Paluska prepares for a joint operation between Green Berets and ANASOC forces during his deployment to Ghazni province in 2013.Paluska arrived in Istanbul in mid-July with a plan to find his friend legal protection through the US Embassy. With generous donations from a nonprofit organization, the , Paluska helped Habib buy new clothes, supplies and medicines.
During 12 years of service to his homeland, Habib survived two IED explosions and was shot multiple times, including intercepting two shots intended for Paluska.While fighting Taliban forces for control of Afghanistan in the final month before the August 2021 US withdrawal, Habib was shot in the leg.
With an influx of new candidates, Habib would have a lengthy wait before he can be processed. Sullivan also noted that only 37% of applicants achieve Chief of Mission approval – the first step of the SIV process. Whether approved or not, applicants in Afghanistan remain at risk. No One Left Behind “has received reports of over 200 deaths of SIV applicants and other wartime allies since the US withdrawal,” Sullivan confirmed.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Retired Green Beret seeks lasting safety for Afghan special forces fighter who fought Taliban, saved AmericansAfghan commando who fought alongside U.S. Special Forces teams has escaped his homeland, but has no status as an illegal immigrant in a third country while hoping for U.S. policy change that would protect his life.
Read more »
Northside ISD calls on retired teachers to fill dozens of teacher vacanciesEligible teachers must have been retired for at least one calendar year to qualify. SanAntonio SATX SanAntonioTX Texas Education teacher teachersoftwitter
Read more »
Retired Maryland police officer arrested following shootingThe dispute followed a stolen car. One man was shot and remained in critical condition.
Read more »
Army vet seeks to save Afghan commando stuck in Turkey, living in fear of TalibanAfghan commando who fought alongside U.S. Special Forces teams has escaped his homeland, but has no status as an illegal immigrant in a third country while hoping for U.S. policy change that would protect his life.
Read more »
‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ alum Brian Austin Green debuts new bald look: ‘Fresh cut’“Fresh cut 😊. Thought I’d share ❤️❤️,” the blue-eyed hunk, 50, captioned the selfie on Instagram, which highlighted his salt-and-pepper goatee.
Read more »
2 electrocuted after touching third rail on CTA Green Line in Oak ParkTwo individuals who were preparing to travel downtown for Lollapalooza were hospitalized, including one in critical condition, after they came in contact with the electrified third rail on the CTA Green Line Saturday.
Read more »