Full Story
Marines conduct spoiling attack in advance of upcoming elections
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification #: 200582963444
Story by Sgt. Robert M. Storm
ASADABAD, Afghanistan (Aug. 21, 2005) -- Marines and sailors from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, together with the Afghan National Army, conducted security operations in the Korengal Valley August 10 through 20. In preparation for elections next month, Marines conducted a preemptive attack on known areas of anti-coalition militia activity.
Commanders met with elders at numerous villages and received information on village needs and suspected insurgent activity. The Marines also conducted security patrols to protect the population from the thuggish tactics of local insurgents.
“Our goal going into the operation was to disrupt the insurgents’ ability to interfere with the upcoming elections. We clearly accomplished that goal,” said Lt. Col James Donnellan, commanding officer, 2nd Bn, 3rd Marines.
According to villagers, insurgents used strong-arm tactics against villagers that did not help them. One village reported the deaths of twelve citizens after the village denied assistance to insurgent forces.
The Korengal Valley is 400 square kilometers and is well known for the constant attacks against military forces that venture there. Because of the size and difficulty of the terrain, insurgent forces can easily use hit and run tactics. Last month the deadliest attack on American forces in Afghanistan killed 19 service members when a special operations team was ambushed, and a helicopter shot down prompting rescue operations from Marines, soldiers, sailors, and Afghan National Army forces. In all 87 service members have been killed during combat operations in and around Afghanistan since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom in late 2001.
“We just have to do our best to show them that we’re here to help them,” said Lance Cpl. Peter D. Jones, infantryman, from St. Louis, Mo. “They always tell us that there are no insurgents, yet we’re always getting attacked every time we come here.”
The Marines advanced forces on a wide front, attacking the enemy from many different directions, as well as establishing combined vehicle checkpoints with the Afghan National Police. Marine forces were continuously engaged during the operation. F Company was engaged in a sustained firefight against an estimated 100 insurgents, and E Company Marines were subjected to a platoon ambush, to which they responded with both direct and indirect fires, killing at least two and causing the enemy to break contact. Despite the near constant harassing attacks the Marines displayed unwavering resolve in their efforts to help the people of Afghanistan.
“We also worked for the first time at the battalion level with our ANA counterparts, which was a tremendous experience that will serve us well in future operations,” said Donnellan. “The Marines, soldiers and sailors performed exceptionally, and the insurgents now know that Task Force Koa will be relentless in pursuing them wherever they may hide.”
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