U.S. Army Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) is on his last mission in Afghanistan, investigating the area with local translator Ahmed. Their unit was ambushed during a patrol, and the two became the only survivors. Under the pursuit of the enemy, Ahmed risked his life to carry the injured Kinley through miles of rugged terrain to a safe area. After returning to the United States, Kinley learned that Ahmed and his family were not allowed to go to the United States as promised. He was determined to protect this friend and repay his gratitude, and returned to the war zone to rescue Ahmed's family before the local militia arrived.