U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Shane Matthews (John Cena), a skilled sniper, is deployed to investigate a pipeline construction site located in the harsh desert of Iraq, alongside his spotter, Sergeant Allen Isaac (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). The duo endures a tense 22-hour wait in overwatch before they determine that the area appears safe. However, as Matthews proceeds to examine the site, he is suddenly shot by an elusive Iraqi sniper.
In the chaos that ensues, Isaac attempts to save Matthews but is himself injured in the right knee, suffering additional setbacks as his radio and water supply are destroyed. Left alone, Isaac seeks refuge behind a precarious wall, where he tends to his injuries. The sniper, cleverly tuned into the American frequency, initiates contact with Isaac, masquerading as a high-ranking allied officer from another location. This deceptive ploy allows the sniper to extract crucial information from Isaac while maintaining his cover.
During this exchange, it becomes evident that the sniper does not embody the notorious figure known as Juba—a name associated with various Al Qaeda snipers infamous for videotaping their assaults on American forces. Isaac's attempts to summon assistance from headquarters are thwarted when he realizes his radio antenna is damaged. While trying to fix it using parts from a deceased contractor's radio, Isaac uncovers the sniper's ruse: the earlier response team was manipulated into a trap designed to ensnare additional forces.
Eventually, Matthews regains consciousness and signals to Isaac that he is still alive. With determination, he begins to crawl towards his rifle amidst the swirling dust. Isaac engages the sniper with casual conversation to buy time. Convinced that the sniper hides atop nearby rubble, Matthews takes aim and fires. As the dust settles rapidly, the sniper retaliates, wounding Matthews in the left shoulder. Tragically, a second shot results in Matthews' demise.
As the sound of approaching rescue helicopters reaches him, Isaac takes desperate measures. He pushes down the wall and uses Matthews' rifle in an effort to flush out the sniper or at least provide the rescue chopper with information about the threat. The sniper fires at Isaac twice but misses. Now aware of the sniper's position, Isaac fires his last remaining round and stands ready for the next shot. However, silence follows.
The helicopters land to extract Isaac and the fallen Matthews, but as they lift off, the sniper skillfully takes aim again, successfully shooting down both helicopters and claiming the lives of Isaac and the American rescue team. In the chilling final moment, the nameless sniper is heard over the radio, calling for another rescue, setting in motion yet another deadly trap to claim more American lives.
