The Good Friday Battle 2010 – Heroism in Isa Khel

On April 2, 2010, the Good Friday Battle took place in the village of Isa Khel in Northern Afghanistan. It became the longest and most costly engagement to date between the German Bundeswehr and insurgent forces, resulting in three German soldiers killed and several others wounded.

Background of the Good Friday Battle

On that day, a platoon from Paratrooper Battalion 373 was tasked with searching and clearing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the roads leading into Isa Khel. Shortly before 1 p.m. local time, a drone was deployed to identify potential enemy positions but crashed near Isa Khel. The paratroopers immediately formed a reconnaissance patrol to secure the drone, unaware that numerous insurgents lay hidden nearby, waiting in ambush.

Heavy Fighting and First Casualties

Within moments, between 30 and 40 insurgents opened fire with machine guns and RPGs. The four soldiers on patrol returned fire, managing to engage several enemy fighters, but they had no cover and were significantly outnumbered. After the patrol leader, First Sergeant Adebahr, was severely wounded, Private Mutschke courageously sprinted back through intense enemy fire alone to request reinforcements.

Heroic Rescue Under Heavy Fire

Responding immediately, Platoon Leader Master Sergeant Bruns quickly assembled a rescue squad of five soldiers. Braving heavy enemy fire, they advanced toward the trapped patrol, successfully evacuating their wounded comrade. Upon returning to their own lines, Staff Sergeant Hartert was critically hit in the upper body and collapsed without a sound.

Rescue Operation by US Troops

As the battle raged on, American combat-aircrafts circled overhead but were unable to engage due to the close proximity of enemy forces to friendly troops. Despite orders not to approach the combat zone, American Black Hawk helicopters bravely landed west of Isa Khel and evacuated the wounded German soldiers, including Hartert.

However, tragedy struck again shortly before 3 p.m., as the soldiers from Seedorf attempted to disengage from the enemy. One of their vehicles drove over an IED, severely wounding five paratroopers, including Master Sergeant Bruns and Private First Class Augustyniak. Both soldiers, along with Staff Sergeant Hartert, later succumbed to their injuries.

Casualties and Legacy

In the aftermath of the Good Friday Battle, three German soldiers lost their lives due to their wounds:

† Hauptfeldwebel Nils Bruns (35 Jahre)

† Stabsgefreiter Robert Hartert (25 Jahre)

† Hauptgefreiter Martin Augustyniak (28 Jahre)

Commemoration of the Good Friday Battle

The events of the Good Friday Battle left profound scars on the Bundeswehr and beyond. Every year, a commemorative event is held to honor the bravery and sacrifice displayed that day. Survivors, family members, and supporters gather to pay tribute to their fallen comrades, remembering their courage, camaraderie, and heroism in the face of overwhelming adversity.

This day serves as a somber reminder of those who gave everything, yet it also symbolizes the enduring strength of brotherhood, bravery, and camaraderie during the darkest of times.