Operation Anaconda
By: Matt Girton & Mj Wilson
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.
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 US’s War
in Afghanistan.
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.
Pre-attack Plan
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.
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.
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.
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