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It took Kornev over an hour to convince Zain to hold off until first light to continue the attack. Zain had already lost dozens of men. Since they lacked night vision optics, there was no tactical advantage to continue while it was still dark.
Kornev told Zain, “In the tunnel I stocked night vision goggles. If the CIA agent and anyone else inside with her are using them, they hold a huge advantage.”
Zain wanted to shrug off the Russian’s theory, but his point was valid.
Kornev persisted, “We have already discovered the home is protected by tripwires and booby traps impossible to detect at night. During the day, we have a greater chance of avoiding and disabling them.”
Zain was beyond exhausted. The moment he had learned of his son’s kidnapping, he experienced a full-on adrenaline rush. However, with the night waning, his adrenal gland was easing off, which left him feeling groggy and drugged. Getting a little shut-eye would increase his effectiveness and hone his decision-making abilities.
After begrudgingly agreeing to attack at dawn, Zain found the spare bedroom and collapsed upon the bed. He just needed a few hours of rest. In the morning, he would hit the house hard to get his son back. Those who survived the assault would rue the day they had crossed Zain Shallah.