A Precarious Gathering in Iran

Azad Ashani, a high-ranking Iranian intelligence officer, finds himself in a precarious position in Isfahan, Iran. As he stands on a cliff, he contemplates the dangerous game he is playing, caught between his loyalty to Iran and the catastrophic plans of the Quds Force. Battling a terminal illness, Ashani is approached by Darian Moradi, a cleric with political connections, who questions their current path. Ashani knows he must make a deal with the devil to protect his family and country, highlighting the internal and external threats he faces.

Rapp's Dangerous Encounter in Islamabad

Mitch Rapp, a seasoned CIA operative, is in Islamabad, Pakistan, on a mission to eliminate a terrorist financier known as FAIRBANKS. Unexpectedly, he is approached by Colonel Dariush Ruyintan, a notorious Iranian Quds Force commander, who proposes a dangerous alliance. Ruyintan offers Rapp information about a new threat to American forces in Afghanistan, leaving Rapp torn between his mission and the potential intelligence. This encounter sets Rapp on a new path, uncovering the truth behind the Iranian's claims.

A Deadly Ambush in Afghanistan

Captain Mark Garner leads a Ranger company on a mission in Afghanistan, based on CIA intelligence. The operation turns into a deadly ambush when insurgents attack with advanced weaponry, resulting in significant casualties and the capture of a Ranger named Saxton. The mission's failure raises questions about the intelligence provided and the presence of a new threat, prompting a desperate search for answers and a rescue mission.

Rapp's Risky Rescue Mission

Determined to uncover the truth and rescue the captured Ranger, Mitch Rapp infiltrates a mountain stronghold in Afghanistan. Posing as a fellow insurgent, he gains the trust of a warlord named CYCLONE, orchestrating a fake rescue operation to gain information. Rapp navigates treacherous terrain and hostile forces, relying on his skills and instincts to complete his mission and escape with the Ranger, highlighting the complexities of international alliances and personal risks.

Ashani's Dilemma and Decision

Azad Ashani arrives in Kabul, Afghanistan, for a crucial meeting with Mitch Rapp. Facing pressure from his government and his conscience, Ashani reflects on his options: flee to Paris with his family or continue his dangerous game with the Americans. With time running out and no contact from Rapp, Ashani decides to travel to Islamabad, hoping to protect his family and prevent a disaster, even as he risks everything by engaging with the forces he seeks to undermine.

Nash's Diplomatic Distraction in Islamabad

Mike Nash, a CIA deputy director, is in Islamabad, Pakistan, tasked with a delicate diplomatic mission. His official role is to remind Pakistan of its obligations in the war on terror, but his true purpose is to create a diversion, drawing attention away from Mitch Rapp's covert operations. Nash's presence is provocative, designed to keep Pakistani intelligence focused on him while Rapp and a CIA NOC, Noreen Ahmed, work in the shadows. Nash grapples with the complexities of his new role and the personal sacrifices it demands.

Rapp's High-Stakes Interception Plan

Mitch Rapp is on a mission to intercept Azad Ashani, who is being forcibly taken back to Iran by Colonel Ruyintan. With the help of Noreen Ahmed, Rapp devises a bold plan to stop the rendition at Islamabad International Airport. The operation involves disguises, quick thinking, and a high-stakes confrontation on the tarmac. Rapp's actions are driven by the need to secure Ashani's intelligence, which could prevent a catastrophic attack and confirm the location of Osama bin Laden.

A Desperate Race Against Time

With Ashani's information in hand, Rapp learns that Ruyintan plans to use shoulder-fired missiles to disrupt a critical SEAL Team 6 operation targeting bin Laden. Racing against time, Rapp and his team must locate and neutralize Ruyintan before he can execute his plan. The pursuit takes them through the rugged terrain of Pakistan, with Rapp relying on his instincts and the support of his team to track down the elusive Iranian colonel. The mission is fraught with danger, as Rapp must outmaneuver a well-prepared enemy to protect the SEALs and ensure the success of the bin Laden raid.

Rapp's Tactical Showdown in Abbottabad

In a tense showdown near Abbottabad, Rapp confronts Ruyintan and his operatives. The stakes are high, as the SEAL Team 6 helicopters approach their target. Rapp's tactical acumen is put to the test as he engages in a deadly firefight to prevent the launch of the missiles. The battle is intense, with Rapp using every skill at his disposal to outsmart and outfight the Iranian forces. His success is crucial, not only for the immediate mission but also for the broader war on terror, as it ensures the SEALs can proceed with their historic operation.

The Aftermath and New Beginnings

In the aftermath of the mission, Rapp and his team reflect on their actions and the lives lost. The successful raid on bin Laden's compound marks a significant victory, but it comes at a personal cost. Rapp grapples with the loss of Noreen Ahmed, whose bravery was instrumental in the mission's success. As the dust settles, Rapp and his colleagues consider the future, acknowledging the ongoing challenges in the fight against terrorism. The chapter closes with a sense of resolve, as Rapp and his team prepare for the next chapter in their relentless pursuit of justice.

Characters

Mitch Rapp

Mitch Rapp is a seasoned CIA operative known for his ability to adapt and survive in the most dangerous situations. His mission in Islamabad to eliminate a terrorist financier is complicated by an unexpected encounter with an Iranian commander, leading him to a new, potentially more dangerous mission in Afghanistan. Rapp's determination to uncover the truth and protect American lives drives him to take significant risks, showcasing his skills and instincts as he navigates a complex web of international intrigue.

Azad Ashani

Azad Ashani is a high-ranking Iranian intelligence officer facing a terminal illness and a moral dilemma. Caught between his loyalty to Iran and his fear of the Quds Force's plans, Ashani seeks to protect his family and prevent a disaster. His interactions with Mitch Rapp and the internal politics of Iran highlight his precarious position and the difficult choices he must make to secure a future for his loved ones.

Colonel Dariush Ruyintan

Colonel Dariush Ruyintan is a notorious Iranian Quds Force commander with a history of orchestrating attacks against American forces. His unexpected proposal to Mitch Rapp in Islamabad reveals a new threat to U.S. interests in Afghanistan. Ruyintan's motivations and true intentions remain unclear, making him a formidable and unpredictable opponent in the complex geopolitical landscape.

Captain Mark Garner

Captain Mark Garner is a Ranger company commander tasked with a high-stakes mission in Afghanistan. When the operation turns into a deadly ambush, Garner must navigate the chaos and make difficult decisions to protect his men and complete the mission. His leadership and resolve are tested as he seeks answers and a way to rescue his captured Ranger, highlighting the challenges faced by military leaders in combat.

Saxton

Saxton is a Ranger captured during a mission gone wrong in Afghanistan. His resilience and determination to survive are evident as he endures captivity and a daring rescue by Mitch Rapp. Saxton's experience underscores the dangers faced by soldiers in the field and the importance of teamwork and trust in life-and-death situations.

Darian Moradi

Darian Moradi is a young cleric and Ashani's deputy in the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence. His political connections and potential influence make him a key player in the internal dynamics of Iran. Moradi's interactions with Ashani reveal his ambition and the delicate balance of power within the Iranian government, as well as the potential for change in the nation's approach to international relations.

Mike Nash

Mike Nash is a CIA deputy director tasked with a complex diplomatic mission in Islamabad. His role is to create a diversion, drawing attention away from Rapp's covert operations. Nash's character is marked by a deep sense of duty and a struggle to balance his professional responsibilities with personal sacrifices. His interactions with Pakistani officials and his strategic thinking are pivotal in supporting Rapp's mission, underscoring his importance in the broader narrative.

Noreen Ahmed

Noreen Ahmed is a CIA officer operating under non-official cover in Pakistan. Her role is crucial in gathering intelligence and supporting Rapp's mission. Noreen's bravery and quick thinking are instrumental in the operation's success, but her journey ends in tragedy. Her character highlights the personal sacrifices made by those in the intelligence community and the high stakes of their work.

Plot Devices

The Ambush

The ambush in Afghanistan serves as a pivotal plot device, highlighting the dangers of relying on flawed intelligence and the unpredictable nature of warfare. The event sets off a chain reaction, prompting a desperate search for answers and a rescue mission, while also revealing the presence of a new threat in the region. The ambush underscores the high stakes and complexities of military operations in hostile environments.

The Rescue Mission

Mitch Rapp's rescue mission in the mountains of Afghanistan is a key plot device that showcases his resourcefulness and ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The mission brings together various characters and forces, highlighting the complexities of international alliances and the personal risks taken by operatives in the field. The rescue mission serves as a turning point in the narrative, driving the story forward and setting the stage for future developments.

Diplomatic Diversion

The diplomatic diversion orchestrated by Mike Nash serves as a key plot device, drawing attention away from Rapp's covert operations. This strategic misdirection allows Rapp and his team to operate with reduced scrutiny, highlighting the complexities of international espionage and the importance of strategic planning in high-stakes missions.

High-Stakes Interception

The high-stakes interception of Ashani at Islamabad International Airport is a pivotal plot device that underscores the urgency and danger of the mission. This operation highlights Rapp's resourcefulness and the critical importance of securing Ashani's intelligence to prevent a catastrophic attack and confirm bin Laden's location.

Tactical Showdown

The tactical showdown near Abbottabad serves as a climactic plot device, bringing the narrative to a tense and action-packed conclusion. This confrontation between Rapp and Ruyintan's forces is crucial in preventing the launch of missiles and ensuring the success of the SEAL Team 6 operation, emphasizing the high stakes and personal risks involved in the mission.

Analysis

"Capture or Kill" by Don Bentley delves into the intricate world of espionage, highlighting the personal and professional sacrifices made by operatives in the field. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, duty, and survival, as characters navigate a complex web of international intrigue and geopolitical tensions. The book underscores the high stakes of intelligence work, where decisions can have far-reaching consequences. Through its characters and plot devices, the story emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking, adaptability, and resilience in the face of danger. Ultimately, the book serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the fight against terrorism and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Last updated: April 24, 2025