The story of the first CIA officers in Afghanistan after 9/11

Twenty-five years ago, on Sept. 26, 2001, seven CIA officers, code-named JAWBREAKER, landed in the Panjshir Valley of Afghanistan just 15 days after the 9/11 attacks. They arrived by a Soviet-designed Mi-17 helicopter carrying millions of dollars to enlist and equip Afghan allies against al-Qaeda and the Taliban. This mission was pivotal for gathering intelligence and preparing alliances before the U.S. campaign began, including bolstering ties with the Northern Alliance after its leader Ahmad Shah Massoud's assassination just days prior to 9/11. The Mi-17 helicopter that carried them is now displayed at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, where it has undergone extensive restoration ahead of this anniversary.