Operation Anaconda Case Study

ROBERTS RIDGE

Introduction In military history, any conflict can stand out as a perfect example of mission success or a heartfelt reminder of how dangerous and complex the operational environment can be. In March of 2002, there was one of the finest displays of Bravery, Gallantry, Cunning, and sheer will to survive by any human being, a remarkable feat considering the small number of personnel involved. It was a strategic mission by the United States and other Coalition Forces, in order to gain key terrain that would influence the enemy and ultimately lead to their defeat. This is the Historical Case Study of the Battle of Takur Ghar in Afghanistan. It was later dubbed Roberts Ridge, in order to pay homage to the battle that ensued
It is there, where Chechens and Uzbeks as well as other battle-hardened terrorists would conjure up in the winter months and prepare for the fighting season ahead. Operation Anaconda was originally planned to use American and Afghani soldiers to assault the Al-Qaeda forces and block them, using the terrain as a bowl to surround the insurgents. Coalition forces would then flank and destroy the enemy that was routed into the valley. What was never realized is that the enemy forces built and occupied dug in fighting positions on the steep valley slopes, and had massed a force of nearly 200 fighters, which was ultimately a gross miscalculation, due to the enemies’ capabilities to augment hundreds more. In total, there was an estimated 1000 AL-Qaeda fighters encountered by US and Coalition Forces that day.
In order to facilitate the intelligence and observations required to conduct such a shaping engagement, a mission was planned to insert a six-man Navy SEAL team onto an LZ that was near the peak of Takur Ghar. Takur Ghar, which translates to “Tall Mountain” in Pushto, was the highest mountain overlooking the valley of Shah-i-Kot. This would prove to be an advantageous piece of terrain where Coalition Forces could over watch and influence the enemy, while maneuvering blocking forces and conducting counter
The delay in gaining communications with any available close air asset made for the enemies ease of producing casualties. The fog of war can be blamed for some of this, as many radios were bullet laden or had dropped their frequencies. Another issue is the willingness to accept risk by key leadership. At the end of the day, we have Americans fighting for their lives, some dying for their Country. You would think that from the plush armchair in the Headquarters building, someone would do whatever it took to preserve those lives. Instead, this group of Patriots were left out there until the cover of darkness before they were exfiltrated. This risk adverse mentality contributed to the loss of the lives of three more Americans.
It saddens me to hear about the complete lack of value to the war effort put on by this small group of Americans. That key leaders given the authority to effect change sit idle while lives are lost. But then, as I stomach that blow, I focus on their true grit, their courage, their resolve, their valor, the bravery, their fearlessness, their dedication, the sheer tenacity of these Hero’s, and I am reminded of why our country is so great. God bless those that lost their lives in this battle, and the families that they left