The Story Behind the First CIA Officers in Afghanistan After 9/11 and the Russian Chopper That Flew Them In
Updated on: September 26, 2026 / 8:14 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The first CIA officers, codenamed JAWBREAKER, landed in Afghanistan via a Soviet-designed Mi-17 helicopter on September 26, 2001.
- The Mi-17 was chosen for its ability to blend in with local aircraft and its capacity to fly at high altitudes, crucial for crossing the Anjuman Pass.
- CIA officers painted 'USA' and an American flag on the helicopter's stabilizers and used the call sign '9-11-01' to identify it to friendly forces.
- Team Alpha, including former CIA officer David Tyson, was inserted into Afghanistan weeks later, becoming the first Americans behind Taliban lines.
- CIA officer Mike Spann was killed in action during an uprising of prisoners at Qala-i-Jangi fortress, becoming the first American casualty of the war.
- The restored Mi-17 helicopter symbolizes the early days of the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and the sacrifices made.
- A nonprofit called Badger Six, named after Spann's call sign, assists Afghan fighters who worked with Team Alpha and their families.