The Bridge That Went Silent

The ambush began without warning. Gunfire erupted from the cliffs above,

sparks flying off the steel cables. The engineers tried to retreat, but both ends of

the bridge were under fire. One soldier screamed into the radio for help —

only static answered back. Afghan fighters moved with precision, cutting ropes and

disabling equipment. Weapons, explosives, and tools were seized. As dawn approached,

the firing stopped. When Soviet reinforcements arrived hours later, the bridge was empty. No bodies.

No equipment. Only damaged cables swaying above the gorge. Official reports

said the unit “failed to return.” Locals call it “The Bridge That Went Silent.”