Universal Pictures has paid a reported $2 million for film rights to a book about an American operation in Afghanistan.

A deal has been signed to make the true story of Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10.

It is written by Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. He tells how he and colleagues went into northern Afghanistan in search of a suspected terrorist leader.

All except him were killed and he spent four days hiding before being taken in by a tribe.

His book became a best seller earlier this year and prompted a bidding war, according to Hollywood Reporter.

The movie will be adapted and directed by Peter Berg. He made Middle East thriller The Kingdom.