Sgt. Carlos Alvarez "Cougar"

Because.

Clay asked if Aisha will look up some of her father's contacts for information about Max. After some reluctance, she agreed.

Since a lone woman in a Muslim country will not get very far, it was decided that Cougar would go with her, as both knowing the language and being unobtrusive (and good enough for security in normal circumstances; the decision was elsehwere discussed, but mentioned in the linked thread).

However, that didn't go well. Aisha is wanted by too many organizations - and countries; they were seized/captured on arrival.

And then they spent some time in captivity. Until they escaped. (Aisha's post. Cougar's post.)

They were aided temporarily by some locals who keep the retaining facility under observation in order to break prisoner(s) free; then dropped at a location where they set up communication center and sent distress call that Clay received; it was also intercepted by the CIA.

Clay asked Pepper for some assistance; done as under-cover as possible.

The CIA group, led by Marvin Stegler, located and secured Aisha and Cougar; some medical aid was performed, as well as, grudgingly, information exchanged.

Clay prepared, then rounded up transpo and retrieved them.

TBC...