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Three days after the September 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, another attack occurred on a massive forward operating base called Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, home to U.S. and U.K. expeditionary forces.

Why didn’t we hear about this? Still reeling from the embarrassment of Benghazi, the attack on Bastion was covered up and misrepresented by U.S. officials in the interest of saving face during a mandated drawdown of troops.

Further, Bastion was touted to be “impregnable” by the British, who built the base, but U.S. Marines and British soldiers would find out otherwise when the Taliban launched a surprise attack the night of September 14th, 2012. Sadly, blame for the deadly incursion was pinned on two American generals by other U.S. and British top military who turned their backs, rather than giving recognition to 3rd MAW aviation Marines who picked up rifles and fought valiantly.

Finally, Triumph Over the Taliban reveals the true story of what really happened at Camp Bastion on that fateful night. With nine years of research into the Battle along with one-on-one interviews with key Marine warfighters, award-winning military journalist, Jeanne McKinney, paints a vivid picture of this gripping saga.

McKinney shares intimate life and death moments of fighting the Taliban on the ground and in the air—describing how Marines saved civilian contractors, each other, and over $5 billion in aircraft and equipment. With keen investigative prowess, she also reveals the behind-the-scenes politics that led to Bastion being breached in the first place as well as the post-attack coverups that resulted in the unjust dismissal of two highly respected generals.

Most importantly, you’ll meet the U.S. Marine heroes who fought with valor, grit, and exceptional skill. This is their remarkable story!

News and Interviews about Triumph Over the Taliban

Charlotte County Speaks 05/08/24 Interview with Jeanne McKinney, author of Triumph Over The Taliban.

by Kenneth Lovejoy

Unveiling the Untold: Inside forgotten Battle of Camp Bastion

“About the book — wow. I picked it up late one evening at home to begin reading, and read the prologue. That’s as far as I made it before I was interrupted by life, and had to put it down. A few days later, I picked it up again and didn’t put it down (except for necessary breaks). I read it in one day, and think it is an amazing account. I am an avid reader of history, and have a special interest in military history from the 20th and 21st centuries. While I had heard somewhere of the attack on Camp Bastion, I certainly did not know the story. I enjoyed the way this read, with your weaving of first-hand accounts, later testimonies, previous events, documented research, and editorial comments. This is easily a book I am recommending to others!”

Brett Campbell, News Editor, the Daily Leader

Jason Austel interviews Jeanne McKinny in the KUSI studio - June 30, 2024