Operation Compass: U.S. and Afghan Forces Engage Insurgents in Wardak Province

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Army forces, alongside the Afghan National Army, launched Operation Compass in central Wardak province on May 15-16, 2011, to assess the security of the Chak district and expand the security bubble along Route-1. The operation was conducted by Blackhawk Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Warrior, with the aim of securing the area and pushing out the enemy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Operation Compass was initiated to assess the security of Chak district and expand the security bubble along Route-1.
  • The operation was conducted by Blackhawk Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Warrior, in conjunction with the Afghan National Army.
  • The U.S. and Afghan forces encountered fierce resistance from insurgent fighters, including mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, rockets, and recoilless rifle fire.
  • The JTACs relayed coordinates to fighter jets, which dropped precision-guided munitions, including 500-pound JDAMs, hitting enemy targets and destroying enemy positions.
  • Despite the intense fighting, the U.S. and Afghan forces were able to stave off serious injuries, and the operation was deemed a success, allowing Blackhawk Company to build upon the mission and increase the reach of the GIRoA security bubble.
  • The Chak district is a major economic and cultural center for locals, and it is vital that the area receives security and support from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
  • The operation demonstrated the importance of pushing into hostile areas to get key districts under GIRoA control and expand the security bubble.

Statistics:

  • Operation Compass was conducted in central Wardak province, May 15-16, 2011.
  • The operation involved Blackhawk Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Warrior, and the Afghan National Army.
  • The U.S. and Afghan forces engaged insurgent fighters, including mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, rockets, and recoilless rifle fire.
  • Three 500-pound JDAMs were dropped on enemy positions, destroying enemy strongholds.
  • The operation lasted for two days, with the U.S. and Afghan forces returning precise small arms and 60mm mortar fire into the lush farmland.
  • The operation was deemed a success, allowing Blackhawk Company to build upon the mission and increase the reach of the GIRoA security bubble.

Sources:

  • U.S. Army news release, "Operation Compass: U.S. and Afghan Forces Engage Insurgents in Wardak Province" (no date).
  • Lt. Col. Thomas S. Rickard, TF Warrior commander, quoted in the U.S. Army news release.
  • Sgt. Freddy T. Hughley, combat medic assigned to Blackhawk Company, quoted in the U.S. Army news release.
  • Pfc. Alexander Duckett, rifleman assigned to Co. B, quoted in the U.S. Army news release.