Scottish policeman saved 200 lives in Kabul
DCI Alistair Wright pictured at the British Embassy in Kabul
ALISTAIR Wright was in a meeting when he heard a loud bang that heralded the start of one of the most dramatic attacks by insurgents in Kabul’s recent history.
A suicide squad had seized control of one of the city’s tallest buildings and were firing rocket-propelled grenades into the US embassy, and Nato headquarters with the EU Police Mission Afghanistan (Eupol) headquarters, where he worked getting caught in the crossfire. Helicopter gunships, British Special Forces and Macedonian military snipers were all drafted in to fight off the attack in a 14-hour battle, which left 16 people dead.
The siege unfolded on 24-hour news channels, but what went unseen was the vital role Scottish-born Detective Chief Inspector Wright, who had been seconded to Eupol, played in saving more than 200 lives. The 42-year-old father-of-two, who grew up in Cumbernauld, but works for Warwickshire Police, and his colleague Detective Inspector Darren Rawlings, helped lead 212 people to a compound where they managed to stay safe. His bravery has now been marked with a silver medal awarded by Eupol.
Speaking from Kabul, where he is still based, Mr Wright said: “I had just started a meeting when I heard really loud gunfire.
“I went outside. I could not see anything other than many people running away from the direction where the noise was coming from. I then heard an almighty explosion followed by several others. Someone shouted out: ‘They’re in, they’re in.’
“I was in no doubt at the time that what I was being told was that the Taleban, or some other insurgent group, had breached our secure compound.
“I knew I should have made my way immediately to the bunker, which was only about ten metres away.
“However, I ran past it and in and out of offices to ensure that everyone else was safe.
“I had to physically grab hold of several Afghans and forcibly take them to the bunker. They were terrified and I guess they thought that being out in the open, even for a brief time, was more risky.”
It was at this point that he saw his colleague, Mr Rawlings, ushering an Afghan woman to a bunker. With everyone else safely inside, the pair rushed in to join them.
Mr Wright said: “Inside it was surreal. Everyone was silent but you could hear Afghan women crying. I turned to Darren and said we need to take control in here as no-one seemed to know what to do. We set about conducting a head count – 212 were in the bunker.”
They found space for Afghans to pray as the battle raged.
Mr Wright said: “It was an extraordinary moment. Outside the bombs were still going off and upwards of 40 Afghan men were praying to the chantings of a local mullah. We told people to phone home to reassure their loved ones as we knew by this time it was on live news.”
Communications in the bunker were poor so he was forced to make a dash for the adjacent police headquarters. Even as he arrived bullets flew overhead.
Both he and Mr Rawlings received silver medals from Eupol for their leadership.
“He disregarded his own safety to ensure local national staff were safeguarded and protected,” Gillian Preece, head of rule of law team, at the British Embassy in Kabul, wrote in a letter to his force.
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Comments
There are 13 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
Tintock Pete
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 12:17 PMGoogle Amiriyah shelter bombing and then wonder why you'd be safer outside.
Templar75
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 11:40 AM9 RedHouse Friday, February 10, 2012 at 10:34 AM A slightly over-dramatic headline! get a life pal, we know what a Red House is it's for keeping idiots like you in, I say well done to the man and he deserves the medal, he is a true ambassador for his country.
David Bfpo
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 11:28 AMFor those interested in more detail on this incident in Kabul, involving six attackers, there is a commentary, map and a few photos within this blog article: http:freerangeinternational.comblog?p=4475
Rockape
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 11:06 AMDon't get me wrong, if I had my way we would have all our brave men and woman home, securing our borders and I don't mean those between Scotland and England. Most of us are proud of our people, especially ones like A.W. Rockape.
RedHouse
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 10:34 AMA slightly over-dramatic headline!
Niebiosa tam sa naprawde nieskrzydlowe ludzie tam
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 10:23 AMWell done that man. Bohater = Hero
postmark54
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 10:10 AM.............................Shouldn't be there to begin with, you're upset that Westminster is ruling you so you're taking your frustrations out on the innocent Afghani people.............................. Leave Afghanistan and leave it now, if not, the next time you won't be so lucky, remember Linda Norgrove.................................
Rockape
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 08:56 AMThe incident in question occurred on the 13th 14th September last year. Alistair is a true professional who has dedicated his life in the service of others. A proud Scotsman, fanatical Falkirk fan, member of the elite Special Ale Squadron (we fear no beer) and above all else a dedicated family man. Well done Al, Rockape
Sister Mary Clarence
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 08:27 AMThank You For Everything You Do. You are to be Commended Kind Sir... ♥ After me now!!! Hip! Hip! Hooray!. Hip, Hip! Hooray! . Hip, Hip! Hooray! .
Tarheel Scot
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 07:04 AMMr Rose, could you please tell us when this event took place?
Tartancult
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 06:11 AMLeading people to safety does not necessarily equate to 'saving' them - regardless of Charles' breathless exhortations. You really are a sad individual Charles.
Charles Linskaill
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 12:34 AMIt All Shows how 'Outstanding' our Scottish People Are, Always helping others before themselves, Well-Done DCI Alistair Wright, You are an Inspiration to us all in Scotland.
Peripatetic Pensioner
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 12:14 AMWell done those men.
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