GWOT Theatre (2001-2028) XXIX
Desert Thunder
Thu 18 Dec 2025
Ended
GWOT Theatre (2001-2028) XXIX
Operation order
Situation
Background Information
ISAF forces have recently advanced into the Anizay region of Afghanistan—an area that had been under Taliban control for several years. Although the Afghan National Army (ANA), supported by U.S. Forces, briefly succeeded in securing the region, the gains were short-lived. When U.S. units were redirected to other operational priorities, the ANA was unable to hold the territory, allowing the Taliban to reassert control and re-establish their influence throughout the province.
Approximately fifteen days ago, a British journalist conducting an investigative report in the area was captured by Taliban fighters. Intelligence suggests they are being held within one of the many fortified compounds used to coordinate insurgent activity in the region. In response, the UK government has authorized a targeted rescue mission. This operation is timed to coincide with broader coalition efforts to neutralize several key Taliban hardpoints, disrupt their command structure, and weaken their ability to contest ISAF operations in Anizay.
Five-Star Rating System
Combat Intensity: ☆☆☆☆ Roleplay Emphasis: ☆ Difficulty: ☆☆☆
Friendly Forces
1x Infantry Platoon
1x Helicopter flight equipped with AW149 Wildcat with 30mm cannon and Rocket pods.
1x Helicopter flight equipped with AW149 Wildcat with 30mm cannon and Rocket pods.
Supporting Assets
1x Light Cavalry Troop will move to secure and defend FOB Obeh until relieved. They will then move to future taskings.
No additional friendly forces in the AO at this time
No additional friendly forces in the AO at this time
Enemy Forces
Taliban militia. Dispersed across the AO but concentrated on the objectives.
Mission
Tasking
Military Intelligence has identified a series of Taliban strongpoints where the hostage is likely being held or moved between. These sites form part of a local command and logistics network that supports Taliban operations throughout the Anizay region. Disrupting these locations will not only increase the chances of locating the hostage, but also degrade the enemy’s ability to coordinate resistance against ISAF forces.
Main Effort
Locate and recover the hostage while disrupting Taliban activity throughout the AO. Objectives - Eliminate the local Taliban leader at his residence in the town of Bum to destabilize insurgent command and control. - Clear the Anizay Stronghold, a key defensive position and potential holding site for the hostage. - Identify and destroy the enemy weapon cache to reduce the Taliban’s immediate combat capability. - Destroy the IED Factory, disrupting the production and distribution of explosive devices used against ISAF and ANA forces. - Clear the Khas Stronghold, further degrading Taliban operational capacity and securing another potential hostage location. - Relieve the light cavalry at FOB Obeh and establish a defensive posture to repel any anticipated Taliban counterattack in response to ISAF activity.
Locate and recover the hostage while disrupting Taliban activity throughout the AO. Objectives - Eliminate the local Taliban leader at his residence in the town of Bum to destabilize insurgent command and control. - Clear the Anizay Stronghold, a key defensive position and potential holding site for the hostage. - Identify and destroy the enemy weapon cache to reduce the Taliban’s immediate combat capability. - Destroy the IED Factory, disrupting the production and distribution of explosive devices used against ISAF and ANA forces. - Clear the Khas Stronghold, further degrading Taliban operational capacity and securing another potential hostage location. - Relieve the light cavalry at FOB Obeh and establish a defensive posture to repel any anticipated Taliban counterattack in response to ISAF activity.
End-state
Hostage recued and FOB Obeh secured.