Operation Anaconda

1
Operation Anaconda

• By Matt Girton Mj Wilson

2
What the Operation was

• When US military, CIA Paramilitary officers,
  allied Afghan forces, NATO and other non NATO
  forces attempted to destroy Al-Qaeda Taliban
  forces.

3
When and Where

• Began late March 3rd and into the 4th, 2002.
• Battle occurred in the Shahi-kot Valley Arma
  Mountains
• First large-scale battle in USs War in
  Afghanistan.

4
Details and Numbers

• Between March 2nd the 16th, 1,700 airlifted US
  troops about 1,000 allied Afghan militamen
  fought anywhere from 300 to 1000 Al-Qaeda
  Taliban soldiers in the valley.

5
Pre-attack Plan
6
Complications Before the Battle

• Around midnight forces loaded into their vehicles
  and began driving toward the river valley.
• Along the way, multiple vehicles were overturned
  by the awful road conditions.
• Drivers were ordered to use their headlights to
  see but also ruin their chance for a surprise
  attack.

7
Miscommunication

• Once ground units were in position,
  miscommunication with air units happened.
• Bombers thought they received an order to not
  bomb. This resulted in demoralized troops and
  lack of air support.

8
Bad news

• There were many more enemy fighters than
  previously expected and judging by their quick
  response to our attack, they knew about the
  attack.
• Eventually Taliban and Al-Qaeda reinforcements
  came.

9
In the End

• By the end of the battle there were 8 US soldier
  deaths
• Rebel deaths ranged around 500-800
• General Tommy Franks said the operation was an
  unqualified and complete success.
• Investigative journalist Seymour Hersh said the
  operation had poor military planning that
  resulted in unnecessary US military deaths as
  well as important terrorist figures getting away
  likely including Osama bin Laden