The difference between an ordinary policeman and a counter-insurgent in an occupied country, of course, is that in ordinary police work, the armed gangs don’t ambush the police with AK-47’s or blow them up with roadside bombs. In Afghanistan, they do. Afghanistan is a war.
The Afghan insurgents are not strong enough to stand toe-to-toe with American forces. For the most part, therefore, their tactics consist of surprise ambushes, in which they suddenly open fire on a convoy or a detachment of US troops, then quickly run away before the Americans can gather for a counterattack or call in heavy weapons or air support. The insurgents also have a small number of anti-aircraft weapons, which they have used in attempts to shoot down helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. In general, large-scale firefights only occur when American forces surround an insurgent stronghold and force the guerrillas to fight. Given the choice, the Afghan insurgents prefer to take a hit-and-run approach, and prefer not to expose themselves to superior American firepower.
Individual ambush actions normally result in few American casualties (indeed, most enemy attacks don’t result in anyone getting hurt at all), but collectively they are deadly. Although the Iraq War has produced a higher number of total American casualties, the size of the US force in Afghanistan is much smaller, making Afghanistan proportionately more deadly to troops than Iraq—a soldier in Afghanistan has a significantly higher chance of being wounded or killed than a soldier in Iraq.
The casualty rates among insurgents, however, particularly when they are forced by American operations into a large-scale firefight, can be tremendously high. A key US tactic, therefore, has been to surround insurgent pockets and force them to fight, where they are often wiped out by air strikes and artillery. However, since the scale of Taliban attacks has increased over the past few years, in both frequency and geographic area, it is apparent that the insurgents are able to recruit enough new members to make up for their losses. Guerrilla fighters, to be successful, do not actually have to win the war—they only have to avoid losing it, to keep the insurgency going at a level which will allow the opponent to grind himself down so much that he finally makes the political decision to give up and leave.
(The first parts of this series-including a glossary for all the military acronyms-can be found here: http://www.dailykos.com/... )
Reference ID: AFG20040415n17 Region: RC WEST
Latitude: 33.42625046 Longitude: 64.01112366
Date: 2004-04-15 00:12 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 11
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
(S//REL TO USA AND ISAF) ON 15 APRIL 2004 AKHUNZADA THE POLICE CHIEF OF MIZAN DISTRICT, ZABUL PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN TRAVELED ALONG WITH 10 OF HIS SOLDIERS TO SHAWALI KOT DISTRICT IN KANDAHAR PROVINCE IN SEARCH OF TALIBAN FIGHTERS. THE TALIBAN KILLED AKHUNZADA AND ALL OF HIS SOLDIERS.
TEXT: (S//REL TO USA AND ISAF) ON 15 APRIL 2004 ((AKHUNZADA)) THE
POLICE CHIEF OF MIZAN DISTRICT, ZABUL PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN TRAVELED ALONG WITH 10 OF HIS SOLDIERS TO SHAWALI KOT DISTRICT IN KANDAHAR PROVINCE IN SEARCH OF TALIBAN FIGHTERS. THE TALIBAN KILLED AKHUNZADA AND ALL OF HIS SOLDIERS. THE LEADER OF THE TALIBAN GROUP THAT KILLED AKHUNZADA IS MULLAH MOHAMMED ((UNIS)) AKHUNZADA. UNIS IS THE FORMER KABUL PROVINCE POLICE CHIEF DURING THE TALIBAN RULE OF AFGHANISTAN, NFI.
COMMENTS: (S//REL TO USA AND ISAF) (FIELD COMMENTS)-- 1. THIS REPORT ADDS TO THE FACT THAT THE TALIBAN AND OTHER ANTI-COALITION FORCES ARE IN THE AREA JUST NORTH OF HIGHWAY 1. THIS ALSO INDICATES A POSSIBLE INCREASE IN ATTACKS IN THE DISTRICTS NEAR MIZAN.
Reference ID: AFG20050224n62 Region: RC SOUTH
Latitude: 31.56526947 Longitude: 65.36110687
Date: 2005-02-24 08:08 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
TF BRONCO 3-7 REPORTS RECEIVING FIRE FROM A VEHICLE 32K W OF KANDAHAR. S: 2X ACM, A: OPENED FIRE FROM A VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING BY, L: 41R QQ 241 947, T: 0830Z. REMARKS: 3-7 WAS INVESTIGATING AN IED SITE AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT. 1X US MILITARY SHOT IN THE FOOT, 1X ACM SHOT IN THE NECK, NO MEDEVAC IS NEEDED, BOTH ARE STABLE AND ENROUTE TO KAF. MTF
Reference ID: AFG20050321n66 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 33.71694946 Longitude: 68.91361237
Date: 2005-03-21 16:04 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
TWO GROUPS OF TB WITH APPROXIMATELY 21 MEMBERS IN ONE GROUP AND APPROXIMATELY 10 IN THE SECOND GROUP CONDUCTED ATTACKS LAST NIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 1630Z AGAINST A POLICE CHECKPOINT AND A POLICE STATION IN THE KHARWAR AREA (42S VC 920 308). THE INSURGENT ELEMENTS INITIATED WITH SMALL ARMS FIRE, AND BROKE CONTACT WHEN THE LOCAL POLICE RETURNED FIRE. TB MEMBERS ALSO FIRED TWO ROCKETS AT THE POLICE STATION. THE TWO TB GROUPS WERE LED BY MULLAH SAMULLAH AND DAOUD SURKH.
Reference ID: AFG20051116n195 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 34.71072006 Longitude: 70.8956604
Date: 2005-11-16 13:01 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
Task Force Devil reported troops in contact (TIC) 27 kilometers southwest of Asadabad (ABAD). At 1323Z, a 2d Battalion, 3d Marines patrol participating in Operation Sorkh Khar was engaged with heavy small arms fire from two locations from an unknown size ACM element. Two attack airplanes (A10s) were sent to support the patrol. At 1921Z, the unit reported that they cleared the area and were unable to reestablish contact with the enemy. There were no casualties or damages reported.
Reference ID: AFG20060610n299 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 32.57833862 Longitude: 69.35691833
Date: 2006-06-10 09:09 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 3 0 0
TF Catamount reports US Troops in Contact. At 0932Z, TF Catamount reported that a patrol received heavy RPG, machine gun, and small arms fire. Patrol reports 3 US Soldiers casualty and 3 HMMWV disabled. Patrol conducting a recon of the cave complex came under heavy RPG, Machine Gun, and small arms fire. 3 vehicles were damaged and 3 casualties were sustained (GSW to Ankle, GSW to Arm, GSW to lower spine). Catamount launched a US PLT and a ANA PLT as QRF to support TIC, meanwhile patrol at TIC site was getting outflanked by enemy forces. QRF enroute encountered enemy forces while manuevering to the TIC site and Enemy moved elements to reinforce. AH-64s came on station at approximately 1030Z. GCAS came on station at approximately 1048Z. Enemy broke contact and audio reported they moved into caves and are awaiting for helicopters to move out before they re-attack. Audio indicated 15 enemy moved into cave. At 1230Z, Aircraft dropped ordinance and eliminated cave complex. Third aircraft pass was complete on cave complex. Cave Complex destroyed. At 1018Z, MEDEVAC was requested and at 1020Z CJTF76 approved MEDEVAC 06-10C w/ SAL assets. MEDEVAC was prepositioned at FOB Orgun-E at 1010Z. At 1030Z, MEDEVAC w/u OE to Bermel. At 1101Z, MEDEVAC w/d. At 1102Z, MEDEVAC w/u at Bermel for Salerno. At 1131Z, MEDEVAC w/d at Salerno. MC. At 1352Z, TF Catamount declared TIC complete, all personnel and vehicles have been recovered to FOB. 1x Soldier is in stable but guarded condition at BAF from GSW to spine. 2x Soldiers are in stable condition at Salerno with GSWs to arm/ankle. PMR is being worked to move 1x Soldier with GSW to spine to LRMC. NFTR. [UPDATED ON 06/10/2006 2127]:
Reference ID: AFG20060718n372 Region: RC SOUTH
Latitude: 31.5033493 Longitude: 65.84674072
Date: 2006-07-18 08:08 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Indirect Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 3 0 0
At 0851Z TF Aegis reported a rocket attack at Camp Faraway near KAF. 2X rocket impacts were reported and 3X US MIL were WIA Pts were taken to Role 3. Extent of injuries were 1X US MIL with shrapnel injury to shoulder and 1X US MIL with minor injuries to the face. The 3rd PT was not admitted as he had no injuries and was just shaken up. Unit was assessing BDA and exploiting the POI ATT. Unit reported discovering a fuse at grid 41R QQ 70898 90400. Incident closed at 0945Z. Patients are all in stable condition. NFTR.[UPDATED ON 07/19/2006 0050]
Reference ID: AFG20060828n366 Region: RC SOUTH
Latitude: 31.58369064 Longitude: 31.58369064
Date: 65.43373871 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Indirect Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 1 0 1
At 281317Z Aug 06, Patrol Base WILSON, Panjwayi district, Kandahar province came under mortar attack. 2x mortars impacted north of base, and 1x impacted inside. A fourth impact was also reported. A TIC was declared. 1x (CAN) WIA, PRI 1. 1x (ANA) WIA, also PRI 1.
Reference ID: AFG20060904n373 Region: RC SOUTH
Latitude: 31.11675835 Longitude: 64.04110718
Date: 2006-09-04 17:05 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Indirect Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 5
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 6
At 041759Z Sept 06 Governor Daud reported that TB were attacking Garmser police posts with mortars (Grid unknown). At 042042Z it was reported that the Garmser ANP station was under attack and needed ammunition resupply. In recent fightings, ANP lost: 5x ANP KIA, 6x ANP WIA, 4x ANP MIA, 13x ANP MIA believed joined TB. ANP further lost the following due to capture: 2x vehicles, 1x mortar, 2x rockets, 40x grenades, 2,2000 rounds AK ammunition, 8x PK ammunition, 30x AK magazines and additional material. Afterwards there was reported that support will move at first light and conduct a show of force ivo Garmser. NFI ATT.
Reference ID: AFG20060921n354 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 32.74406052 Longitude: 69.35640717
Date: 2006-09-21 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
At 1055Z, CJSOTF reported while conducting a patrol 15km NE of FB Bermel received 26x rockets on their location. CAS was utilized and BDA is pending. POO was identified as 42S WB 3339 2290. POO was located 2.5km southeast of CJSOTF patrol and 5km west of the Afghan/Pak border. GFC declares TIC complete at 1420Z. No injuries to personnel or damage to equipment. NFTR.
Reference ID: AFG20061102n444 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 33.74399948 Longitude: 69.95723724
Date: 2006-11-02 13:01 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 3 0 2
At 021335ZNOV06 TF Vanguard reported a patrol had received RPG and SAF 15km SE of FB Chamkani. The unit had 2x vehicles destroyed. At 1421Z, CJSOTF requested a MEDEVAC for 3x US MIL and 2x ABP. MM11-02E was approved at 1436Z. W/U Sal 1444z, W/D CMK 1503z, W/U CMK 1509z, W/D Sal 1518z. M/C. Patient status: 1x US Mil in stable condition with shrapnel wounds to hand, 1x US Mil in stable condition with shrapnel wounds to legs, 1x US Mil in stable condition with shrapnel wounds to face and ruptured TM. 1x ABP in stable condition with multiple shrapnel wounds and 1x ABP in stable condition with GSW to shoulder and shrapnel wounds. NFTR. ISAF Tracking# 11-030. Event closed at 1518z
Reference ID: AFG20061212n506 Region: RC SOUTH
Latitude: 32.41672897 Longitude: 64.4553833
Date: 2006-12-12 07:07 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 1 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
At 120735ZDEC06, TFH reported SAF and RPG from a TB FP 1.9 km NW of NOW ZAD DC, NOW ZAD District, HELMAND Province. FF used SAF to suppress TB. ANP engaged with DF wpns. CAS was on station and released 25x rockets, 5x 540lbs, 3x 500lbs and 2x1000lbs bombs. TB remained around areas of known FPs and engaged by air as targets were presented. TB FP destroyed. 1x UK KIA. TIC closed at 1008Z.
Reference ID: AFG20070303n633 Region: RC SOUTH
Latitude: 32.08224106 Longitude: 66.73864746
Date: 2007-03-03 09:09 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Attack Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
ON 03 MARCH 2007, TWENTY FIVE INSURGENTS, WITH TWELVE MOTORCYCLES, WERE HIDING ALONG HIGHWAY ONE WAITING TO ATTACK ANY COALITION FORCES THAT TRAVEL ALONG THAT ROUTE. THESE MEN ARE LEAD BY TALIBAN COMMANDERS MULLAM MORAD KHAN AND MOHAMMED NOUR. THESE TWO MEN ARE TALIBAN COMMANDERS OF THE RAMAZI KALAY VILLAGE//MGRS: 42STA86575179//, TARNAK WA JALDAK DISTRICT, ZABUL PROVINCE, AF. THE 25 MEN ARE HIDING IN THE TARNAK WA JALDAK DISTRICT.
Reference ID: AFG20070402n602 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 33.39112091 Longitude: 69.75105286
Date: 2007-04-02 03:03 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Attack Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
S: UNK
A: INSURGENTS ATTACKED SCHOOL IN NSK DISTRICT. TIED UP GUARDS, STOLE WEAPONS AND DETONATED MINES IN THE SCHOOL.
L: 42S WB 6985 9490
T: 020300ZAPR07
A: ANP HAVE INVESTIGATED THE SITE. REPORTED NO INJURIES. THEY BELIEVE THIS WAS AN INSIDE JOB WITH TB SUPPORT. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.
THE SCHOOL IS CURRENTLY CLOSED BECAUSE OF DAMAGED CLASSROOMS.
Reference ID: AFG20070429n595 Region: RC CAPITAL
Latitude: 34.75244904 Longitude: 69.13437653
Date: 2007-04-29 12:12 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Attack Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
(C//NF) AFGHAN ERADICATION FORCE COMES UNDER HOSTILE FIRE: (Source: AMEMBASSY KABUL 01455, 29 Apr 07)
The US-funded Afghan Eradication Force (AEF) came under hostile fire twice on April 29 during its deployment in Uruzgan province. The first time came at the beginning of the day when the AEF was initiating its operations. On the way back to base, the AEF encountered an ambush necessitating QRF response from the Dutch-led Task Force Uruzgan. INL Air Wing grounded two Huey helicopters due to damage from small arms fire. The AEF captured one combatant who is at the FOB and will be turned over to Task Force Uruzgan. Several Afghan members of the AEF were wounded, but there were no fatalities. The AEF will not conduct eradication on April 30 as we assess their capabilities to continue their mission.
Reference ID: AFG20070522n748 Region: RC CAPITAL
Latitude: 34.75244904 Longitude: 69.13437653
Date: 2007-05-22 12:12 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Indirect Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
(C) TRUCKS DESTROYED IN ROCKET ATTACK AT TORKHAM BORDER: (Source: AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 02292, 22 May 07)
According to Mission contacts, at approximately 0400 local time Monday, May 21, unknown persons fired two Russian-made MRB-12 rockets at a group of fuel trucks bound for Coalition forces in Afghanistan. The trucks were parked in a lot near the Torkham border crossing, about 35 miles west of Peshawar. At least four of the trucks were destroyed, and the media reported another six trucks severely damaged. Local Frontier Corps soldiers confiscated three additional rockets of the same type from a nearby hilltop and detained eight Afghan refugees for questioning. (Note: At this time, authorities cannot verify that the eight detained refugees were associated with the rocket attack. End Note.)
Reference ID: AFG20070802n813 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 34.99929047 Longitude: 70.41108704
Date: 2007-08-02 07:07 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Ambush Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 1 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 2 1 0
On 02 Aug 07, Assassin 1 conducted a joint VCP just south of Gandalaluk Village at grid (42S XD 28230 76110). On the return trip the convoy was ambushed by approx 3-5 enemy forces. The ambush was initiated by a two round RPG volley and followed SAF. The first RPG round stuck the third vehicle in the convoy entering through the cradle of the turret and traveling through the other side. The second RPG round hit the ground before it reached the convoy spraying shrapnel on the fourth vehicle causing minor damage.
REACTION: CF responded with .50 caliber machine gun fire, 5.56mm rifle fire, and immediately suppressed with 155mm artillery fire. The enemy broke contact after US forces gained fire superiority.
COUNTERACTION: QRF (Hydra) was activated to recover the destroyed vehicle while the Assassin element medevaced the WIA. Once the QRF was on site, the Assassin element returned to FOB Kalagush. A-10s, Red Ridge, F-15s, and Senior Scout were on station. There were multiple ICOM chatter reports on 144.00 and 145.00 from Red Ridge and Senior Scout. EC 130 arrived on stationed as ICOM chatter indicated ACM planning another attack. The Hydra element returned the next morning and used an Amerifa crane to hoist the vehicle onto a flat bed. The flat bed moved the vehicle to FOB Kalagush. CF used their own crane to place the vehicle on a five-ton. Casualties: 1x US KIA, 3x US WIA. ISAF Tracking # 08-040
*****EVENT CLOSED ATT*****
Reference ID: AFG20070822n877 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 35.12807083 Longitude: 70.95794678
Date: 2007-08-22 00:12 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 5 0 0 2
Wounded in Action 0 11 0 0
At 0036Z 2 ACM wearing BDUs walked into an ASG OP 3 at Ranchouse (XD 78399 89000) and wounded the two ASG in the OP. 20xACM then breached the perimeter of the ASG section of Ranchhouse with two inside the perimeter firing small arms and RPGs. Chosen 1-6 and ASG returned fire with small arms, M-240s, mk19 and 120mm mortars. 7xUS WIA and 1xANA WIA and 1xASG KIA 9-line Medevac request sent 0150Z.
CCA and A-10s were on station at 0110Z. At least two danger close gun runs into the compound. Predator on station at 0357. Force protection box in place. After CAS performed gun runs (at 0157z and 0202z) ACM broke contact 0213Z.
Follow on reporting received from rc(e) indicates two ACM dressed in ANA uniforms approached an Afghan Security Group (ASG) entry point, fired multiped RPGs to over powered it and allowed 18-20 more ACM into the wire. Simultaneously, the ACM launched a 15-rpg volley onto the CP at the Ranchhouse knocking out comms. Reports indicated that 18-20 ACM were in the Ranchhouse compound and close fighting was underway.
Reports indicated planned RPG fire on MEDEVAC A/C. Medevac options being worked. However, terrain is extremely difficult and options are limited. This will be a high risk medevac. 0305 1xRPG was fired at Medevac. Both Medevac birds MC in JAF 0455 (see associated report).
QRF is being spun up at Asadabad. 0434: QRF U/U JAF. 0541 w/d Bella to pick-up 1xsquad. 0525 w/d NGM to pick-up resupply and ANA replacements, 0529 w/u NGM enroute to Ranchhouse. 0545 QRF inserted 2x squad at Ranchhouse with ANA replacements. 0600 Additional 4x US WIA walking wounded identified. 0644 QRF A/C Extracted walking wounded to ABAD and subsequently to JAF. 1xANA WIA dies of wounds while being treated at ABAD. QRF MC JAF 0711.
Update: Unit reports 5xenemy KIA, 2xenemy WIA.
Event closed at 0918z. Event number 08-577.
Headquarters
International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan
NEWS RELEASE [2007-XXX: Draft]
Insurgents attack ISAF base
JALALABAD, Afghanistan An Aug. 22 attack on an International Security Assistance Force forward operating base in Afghanistan resulted in two Afghan National Army soldiers killed and 11 ISAF soldiers wounded.
Reference ID: AFG20070825n815 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 34.46168137 Longitude: 68.6202774
Date: 2007-08-25 05:05 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Attack Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
TWO JINGLE TRUCKS CONTRACTED FROM BAF ENROUTE TO FOB GHAZNI AND FOB ORGUNE WERE ATTACKED IVO SALAR ( 42SVC6938851627 ). THE TRUCKS WERE ATTACKED BY UNIDENTIFIED NUMBER OF PERSONNELL WITH RPGs. THE 2 TRUCKS AND THE CONTENTS THEY WERE CARRYING ARE COMPLETLEY DESTROYED . ONE DRIVER IS EXPECTED TO BE CAPTURED BY THE OPPOSING FORCE , AND THE WHEREABOUTS OF THE OTHER DRIVER ARE NOT KNOWN .
*TMR 1772 BA CARRYING GEN CARGO KBR CJOA
*TMR 1776 BA CARRYING CLS IX
Reference ID: AFG20070827n867 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 33.13241196 Longitude: 69.27445221
Date: 2007-08-27 04:04 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Ambush Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 4 1 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 2 0 0
At 0445Z the commander of B/864Engineers, reported that 2 PAX IVO of Zerok COP were flashing mirrors for about 5 minutes. Immediately after, radio intercepts were reported that indicated that an enemy ambush was emplaced.
At 0455Z, ACM fighters ambushed a platoon from Workhorse (HHC/1-503) that was en route to Zerok COP. The platoon was engaged at 42S WB 256 660. This is a historic area of the route known to TF Eagle as ambush alley. The attack resulted in one US KIA and two US WIA. A BDA patrol confirmed four enemy KIA. The fighters wore BDUs, with foliage for additional camouflage, and white turbans.
Two Mirages (C/S Comet 37) came on station and dropped the following bombs:
1 x GBU12 at 42S WB 25793 66590
1 x GBU12 at 42S WB 23993 67515
Two F-15s also dropped bombs at the following locations:
1 x GBU38 at 42S WB 24697 68214
1 X GBU31 at 42S WB 24198 67713
1 X GBU31 at 42S WB 23713 66725
1 X GBU38 at 42S WB 23066 66384
2 X GBU38 at 42S WB 25203 66188
2 X GBU38 at 42S WB 25391 66182
2 x Fighting positions were found along the ridge line
BDA:
Friendly 2 x WIA, 1 x KIA
Enemy 4 x KIA
0915z TM Havoc SPs to conduct QRF ISO Workhorse
1230z TM Attack SPs to conduct QRF ISO Workhorse
More to follow.
ISAF Tracking # 08-752.
Headquarters
International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan
NEWS RELEASE [2007-XXX: Draft]
ISAF soldier killed, one wounded in ambush
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan (27 August) One International Security Assistance Force soldier was killed and one wounded in Paktika Province in eastern Afghanistan today.
FOR THE COMPLETE PRESS RELEASE, PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT.
Reference ID: AFG20070919n960 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 32.51057053 Longitude: 68.86180878
Date: 2007-09-19 10:10 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Attack Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 1 0
FROM: 2PL , D Co, 1/503 INF
TO: CHOPS, Battle Captain, Eagle 2
SUBJECT:
Size and Composition of Patrol: 13x US, 1x Cat 2 TERP, 1x PUC
Traveling with RCP
A. Type of patrol: Mounted
B. Task and Purpose of Patrol: 2/D/1-503 IN conducts mounted patrol to FOB Orgun-E NLT190330SEP07 IOT transport detainee and resupply the Bandar checkpoint.
C. Time of Return: 1030z
D. Routes used and Approximate times from point A to B:
From Grid/FOB To Grid/FOB Route Travel
Bandar Checkpoint FOB Orgun-E RTE Charger to RTE Honda to F-150 back to RTE Honda 10-15 km/h
E. Disposition of routes used: RT Charger IVO Aman Kheyl continues to get more and more washed out as we travel it. RTE F-150 is getting better, but still has a few spots where the rocky and canalizing terrain are restricting. RTE Honda is highly trafficable with numerous jungle truck convoys going both north and south. Coming out of the wadi IVO Mangrah Towry (VB 009 241) (RTE F-150) onto RTE Honda is becoming an known enemy area for ambushes and possible IEDs (a jingle truck convoy was ambushed today)
F. Enemy encountered: U.S. Forces did not encounter any enemy, but roughly thirty minutes to an hour before we arrived IVO Mangrah Towry (VB 009 241), a jungle truck convoy was ambushed coming out of the wadi onto the high ground. The ACM forces had started to burn one of the jingle trucks and shot the windows and tires out of two of the five trucks. Upon arrival of the jingle trucks, we secured the site, cleared the surrounding area, and extinguished the fires.
G. Equipment status: One RCP vehicle had to change a tire. All Havoc vehicles have minor maintenance issues to be looked at within the next 24 hours.
H. Intelligence: H6 and H1-6 detained an individual who was using a signaling mirror on the high ground IVO Mangrah Towry (VB 009 241) on 18 SEP. Today there was an ambush on a jingle truck convoy that had been at the Bandar checkpoint. These two encounters are most likely related and the detainee possibly has information on whereabouts of these ACM forces.
I. Local Nationals encountered:
Name: unknown
Position: jingle truck driver
Location: Mangrah Towry (headed to Orgun)
General Information: I briefly spoke with one of the jingle truck drivers who was in the ambush this afternoon. They were all very nervous and scared, and one was cut from the windshield shattering after being fired upon. The drivers were coming out of the wadi (RTE F-150) up the hill when a small number of ACM forces were dismounted along the road; they signaled for the drivers to halt and then engaged the two lead vehicles. The jingle truck drivers all fled once the hasty ambush was initiated and flagged down our convoy in the village of Mangrah Towry. The men were distraught, and we tried to help calm him down while we put out the fires.
J. Disposition of local security: There was a three truck private security convoy that was suppose to be with these jingle trucks; however, they somehow got stuck behind the U.S. convoy and were not present during the ambush. Each security guard carried an AK-47 and wore a chest rack.
K. HCA Products Distributed: N/A
L. Atmospherics: (reception of HCA, reactions to ANSF and Coalition forces, etc): N/A
M. Reconstruction Projects QA/QC: N/A
N. Conclusion and Recommendation (Patrol Leader): (Include to what extent the mission was accomplished and recommendations as to patrol equipment and tactics.)
The endstate was that we arrived at FOB Orgun-E following our timeline, thus the mission was accomplished. However, the more we travel RTE Honda and RTE F-150, the more likely it is that we will see attacks and IEDs along the route. The enemy observes our route on every movement, and this is the third time in one month that an element has been attacked between FOB Orgun-E and Bandar. The ACM forces still have not engaged a U.S. convoy along this route, but target our jingle truck convoys and local ANA and ABP convoys. I believe it is only a matter of time before a U.S. convoy is decisively engaged along this route. It is wise to travel before daylight on this route to deter any opportunities for IED emplacement and direct fire engagement, but we also need to conduct actual patrols IVO of Mangrah Towry (VB 009 241). We simply bypass this village every time because it is not part of the mission, and we are neglecting to collect information on the threat in the immediate area.
Reference ID: AFG20071104n1063 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 32.62899017 Longitude: 68.2591095
Date: 2007-11-04 15:03 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Surveillance Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 1 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
At 041500ZNOV07, the QRF from FOB Kusahmond was sent to check on a suspicious man approaching to FOB. The suspicious man was seen earlier by the guard towers. After warning signals and warning shots, the suspicious man opened fire at PBG QRF. The QRF returned fire and killed the individual. PBG QRF investigated body of suspicious and found:
1 x AK-47, Chinese manufacture
3 x AK magazines with approx. 90 rounds
1 x F-1 fragmentation grenade
1 x Scissors
1 x Watch
1 x Calculator
300 USD in Pakistan Rupees
Misc. documents
Analysts comment: Considering he was alone and lightly armed, the insurgent was probably observing the base, checking our security and did not want to engage CF. He probably underestimated the quick reaction of the PBG security team. This quick and violent reaction by the PBG will likely discourage future dismounted actions against the base
***UPDATE***
NDS reporting indicates that the insurgent may have been a man named Yaqoob. Other sources indicate that a man named Yaqoob belonged to an ACM cell from Mest, Yousef Khel District, Paktika (42S VB 587 475). Further investigation is ongoing.
Reference ID: AFG20071119n1054 Region: RC SOUTH
Latitude: 32.99819946 Longitude: 65.51631927
Date: 2007-11-19 05:05 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Indirect Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 80 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
At 0547z, TF Bushmaster reported an unknown number of insurgents engaged friendly forces with indirect fire at 41S QS 351 539 in the Shaheed Hasas district of Uruzgan province. Friendly forces are developing the situation.
At 0600Z, TF Bushmaster reported that the attack is located in the vicinity of 41S QS 365 606, the FOB is still receiving indirect fire.
At 0624Z, TF Bushmaster reported close air support engaged the enemy in the tree line in the location of where the mortar fire came from. (From A/C MISREP: At 0638z, Bone 21 dropped 3xGBU-31 on ACM in tree line. JTAC reported good hits with estimated 30x EKIA)
At 0640Z, TF Bushmaster reported a friendly forces element at 41S QS 3628 5815 engaged enemy with close air support. Sporadic mortar fire is still incoming.
(A/C MISREP) At 0656z, Bone 21 engaged ACM leader in tree line with 3xGBU-31; JTAC reported good hits with estimated 15 EKIA.
(A/C MISREP) At 0713z, Bone 21 engaged C2 ACM with 2xGBU-38; JTAC reported good hit with estimated 10 EKIA.
(A/C MISREP) At 0737z, Bone 21 engaged ACM in tree line with 2xGBU-31 and 1xGBU-38; JTAC reported good hit with estimated 10 EKIA.
(A/C MISREP) At 0750z, Bone 21 engaged ACM compound with 3xGBU-38; JTAC reported good hits with estimated 5 EKIA and possible weapons cache.
At 0757Z, TF Bushmaster reported an estimated 80x insurgents KIA in the vicinity of 41S QS 374 663. Close air support is continuing to be worked.
(A/C MISREP) At 0813, Bone 21 released 5xGBU-38 on ACM in treeline; JTAC reported weapons released within parameters.
At 0900Z, TF Bushmaster reported close air support was still being worked on insurgent targets around Sarsina.
Additional close air support will arrive on station at 0910Z. 3x insurgents fighting positions have been destroyed.
At 1004Z, TF Bushmaster reported they identified insurgents inside Sarsina, an additional close air support mission is being worked.
(A/C MISREP) Recoil 43 spotted 2xPAX moving in an easterly direction along the alley. Recoil 43 tracked them and observed them entering a building. Jaguar 01 was also able to ID the PAX by using Rover downlink and declared them as hostile based on pattern of previous attacks from this location. ICOM chatter confrimed this. At 1014z, Recoil launched 20x CRV-7 rockets at ACM in building. JTAC confirmed successful strike and confirmed zero expectation of civilian casualties.
At 1028Z, TF Bushmaster reported their location is at 41S QS 3596 5440. Close air support engaged additional OMF IVO 41S QS 3635 5851 and killed an estimated 5x OMF. Additional close air support is enroute, ETA 1045Z.
(A/C MISREP) Recoil 43 observed 1xPAX moving from an orchard to the cover of woodlandd. Again Jaguar 01 was able to see the location using Rover downlink and declared the PAX as EF based again on pattern of life, ICOM chatter, and known location of POO of previous attacks. At 1045z, Recoil 44 launched 8x CRV-7 rockets at ACM in wood land. JTAC confirmed successful strike with ICOM chatter indicating 1xEKIA and again confirmed zero expectation of civilian casualties.
At 1304Z no further BDA reported. An estimated 85x EKIA were reported. Event closed at 1304Z.
ISAF tracking # 11-487.
Reference ID: AFG20080104n1153 Region: RC WEST
Latitude: 32.6547699 Longitude: 62.10514069
Date: 2008-01-04 16:04 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Attack Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
NDS REPORTED THAT LAST NIGHT 14 VEHICLES OF TALIBAN SURROUNDED THE KHAKE SAFED DISTRICT CENTER (41S MS 16080 13370), KHAKE SAFED DISTRICT, FARAH PROVINCE, AF AND SUBSEQUENTLY SET IT ON FIRE THIS MORNING. NDS COMMENTED THAT BY THE TIME THE TALIBAN ARRIVED THE DISTRICT CENTER WAS ALREADY ABANDONED BECAUSE THE DISTRICT MANAGER WAS AWARE OF THE IMPENDING ATTACK. THERE WERE NO SHOTS FIRED. NDS BELIEVES THE ACTING POLICE CHIEF, JUMA GULL, WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THE RECENT APPOINTMENT OF HAJI LABHEJ JAN AS THE DISTRICT MANAGER. JUMA GULL WANTED TO BE BOTH THE DISTRICT MANAGER AND DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF. NDS BELIEVES JUMA GULL WAS WORKING WITH THE TALIBAN COMMANDER MULLAH SALAAM TO ORGANIZE LAST NIGHTS ATTACK. POLICE CHIEF JUMA GULL LEFT THE DISTRICT CENTER AND TOOK HIS ANP WITH HIM LEAVING JUST THE DISTRICT MANAGER AND HIS 5 ANP OFFICERS. NDS BELIEVES THE TALIBAN HAVE LEFT THE DISTRICT CENTER AND IT IS NOW VACANT. ANP REPORTED THAT THEY WOULD SEND 40 ANP OFFICER TODAY TO SECURE THE AREA. (PRT FARAH S2; DOI: 05 JAN 08)
Reference ID: AFG20080414n1322 Region: RC SOUTH
Latitude: 31.7466526 Longitude: 65.73091125
Date: 2008-04-14 03:03 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 11
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 1
At 0300Z TF Kandahar reported unknown number of AAF engaged ANP CP IVO 41R QR 587 156 in Arghandab district of Kandahar province. ANP CP was over run all vehicles destroyed and burned and weapons stolen. BDA 11 ANP KIA, 1 ANP WIA. ANP WIA was treated at another ANP checkpoint. ISAF # 04-349.
Reference ID: AFG20080802n1358 Region: RC EAST
Latitude: 34.97849655 Longitude: 70.38537598
Date: 2008-08-02 16:04 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Surveillance Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 0 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
AT 1627Z OP LOYALTY OBSERVED 4 AAF ARMED WITH AK-47'S TRYING TO CRAWL UNDERNEATH THE PERIMETER WIRE. OP LOYALTY RESPONDED WITH SAF, AND THE AAF FLED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN.
Reference ID: AFG20080818n1449 Region: RC CAPITAL
Latitude: 34.64517593 Longitude: 69.81837463
Date: 2008-08-18 11:11 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 1 10 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 21 0 2
An unknown number of insurgents engaged a dismounted French BG with SAF in the Uzbin Valley as the French BG awaited medical support, the insurgents called in reinforcements resulting in 12x FF WIA. UPDATE: As of 181700LAUG08 the FBG was still in contact with insurgent fighters. CAS (A-10) was on site and engaging insurgents. At 1830 FBG engaged ACF with 81mm mortars and air MEDIVAC was on site to evacuate casualties. At 1845L, A-10 CAS support replaced by F-15 air support and at, 1915L one APC was damaged. As of 182000AUG08 FBG had cleared FOB Tora. At 190853AUG08 FBG Carmin 4 (Grid: 42S WD 752 346) received mortar fire from INS and FBG Carmin 1 engaged ACF at (Grid: 42S WD 78300 36980).
BDA as of 190900AUG08: 10x ISAF KIA, 21x ISAF WIA, 2x ANA WIA, 1x EKIA, 1x APC Damaged.
Reference ID: AFG20090730n1934 Region: RC SOUTH
Latitude: 30.98882866 Longitude: 64.16976929
Date: 2009-07-30 13:01 Type: Enemy Action
Category: Direct Fire Affiliation: Enemy
Detained: 0
Enemy Friend Civilian Host Nation
Killed in Action 0 2 0 0
Wounded in Action 0 0 0 0
WHEN: 30 1735D JULY 09
WHO: 4TH SQD, 2ND PLT
WHERE: 41R PQ 11690 28951
1.2KM FROM COP KOSTAY
WHAT: SAF/ URGENT MEDEVAC
EVENT: WHILE CONDUCTING A PATROL, GOLF 2/8 RECEIVED APPROXIMATELY (30) ROUNDS OF SAF FROM 2-4 ENEMY FIGHTERS RESULTING IN (2) CASUALTIES. GOLF 2/8 EGRESSED TO THE NORTH AND REQUESTED AN URGENT MEDEVAC FOR THE (2) CASUALTIES. (1) CASUALTY SUSTAINED A GSW TO THE FACE AND THE OTHER A GSW TO THE CHEST. THE CASUALTIES WERE TAKEN TO DWYER STP FOR TREATMENT. AT 1815D, GOLF 2/8 REPORTED NOT TAKING ANY ENEMY FIRE SINCE INITIAL CONTACT AND THAT ICOM CHATTER SUGGESTS POSSIBLE ENEMY FOLLOW ON ATTACK. AT 1832D, GOLF 2/8 REPORTED THE ENEMY FORCE IS MOVING WEST TOWARDS THE HELMAND RIVER FROM THEIR ORIGINAL FIRING POINT.
AT 1840D ONE OF THE WOUNDED MARINES DOW AT DWYER STP.
AT 2333D SECOND MARINE DOW AT BSN ROLE III.
BDA: (2) DOW
ISAF REF # 07-2699(CLOSED)
MEDEVAC# 07-30M (COMPLETE)