The convoy left Basa Air Base shortly after sunrise.
Twelve vehicles rolled out through the eastern gate in a disciplined column, passing between concrete barriers, guard towers, and coils of razor wire still marked with stains from the recent battle. The lead vehicle was an M1117 armored security vehicle, its turret slowly scanning the road ahead while the gunner kept both hands near the weapon controls. Behind it came two JLTVs, three cargo trucks carrying engineers and tools, two fuel-support vehicles, a mobile repair truck, another pair of armored escorts, and a final M1117 guarding the rear.
