Echo Sierra: Mission in Somalia

The Somali government has definitely fallen. Somalia is ruled by an Islamist regime aligned with Al Qaeda and controlled by Al Shabaab. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic with more than two million refugees. The UN decides to support the secession of Somaliland and authorizes the dispatch of a European military mission. Spain prepares a Marine and Army contingent while maintaining its commitment to Operation Atalanta. The Spanish grouping known as SPAFSOM is a motley tapestry of personalities and motivations. From a colonel who sees the mission as a career opportunity to a reservist trying to solve his hardship and marital crisis. The bonds forged throughout their training will end up being decisive for the outcome of the mission. Al Qaeda has problems in Central Asia and decides to move its leadership to Somalia. Patterson works there, a determined CIA agent who is on the hunt for any information his network of informants can provide. In his sights is a Sudanese lawyer, Yafaar Hussein, who is commissioned to go to the chaotic country and prepare the residence for a leader of the highest level. Patterson has orders he can't carry out, but a terrible event will give him an opportunity he didn't count on. Al Shabaab kidnaps eight Spanish military personnel. He demands the withdrawal of the troops or he will execute one hostage per week. A government overcome by the crisis, a European Union that does not admit any more withdrawals and Islamists who are not as united as they seem to be. The Spanish military will have to rethink the limits of their mission as the deadline runs out and they receive unexpected help.