So basically Panetta was saying,
Yeah, we deserted the security forces on the ground.
Nothing can be done for them, cause we don’t have good intel.
I had to look twice to ensure this wasn’t satire
So he says he knew the security forces were in a firefight. That leaves only two possibilities. A. They’re losing the firefight and need reinforcements. B. They’re winning the firefight so whatever reinforcements are sent will be unnecessary and can return home upon arrival.
So where’s the excuse for not sending reinforcements?