With the charges set, the team retreated to the ridge overlooking the fort.
As they watched from a distance, the explosives detonated in a series of bright flashes, the sound reverberating through the mountains.
The fort crumbled into dust, collapsing inward with a thunderous roar.
The shockwave rippled through the air, scattering debris and smoke.
Major Arun Malhotra stood at the edge of the ridge, watching the destruction unfold with a mix of exhaustion and relief.
"That's it," Captain Vikram said quietly, his breath fogging in the cold night air. "We've buried them. The hub is gone."
Arun gave a slow nod, but his mind was still racing.
They had completed their mission, but it hadn't come without its costs.
They had nearly lost men tonight, and the violence of the fight had reminded them all how fragile their lives were in this game of espionage and war.
