A Battlefield Tourist

Attack in Nuristan Probably Planned Well in Advance

Nov 4 at 9:09pm by David Tate

New information is out suggesting the attack on a small outpost in Nuristan July 13, which resulted in 9 dead paratroopers, likely had been in the works before the mixed US/Afghan detachment ever arrived in Want, where the attack occurred. 

An article from The New York Times claims a post-action report, made by an unnamed colonel, outlines the events that lead up to, and through, the four hour firefight in Nuristan’s Waygal Valley. 

The attack by more than 200 militants was launched at 0420, the first 20 minutes of which was intense, heavy grenade and rifle fire from ranges as close as 15 yards.  Eventually US close air support, helicopter support and artillery fire helped break the assault.

Time to Plan

Part of the major criticism is in regards to the 10 months it took NATO to negotiate the placement of the base.  Coalition forces had just started construction five days before the attack which leads investigators to believe the site was well researched by the enemy and then exploited at its most vulnerable time.

In all, the coalition force was comprised of 72 men; 24 Afghans and 48 Americans (paratroopers, Marine ETTs and combat engineers).  Other than the nine paratroopers killed in action, 27 other Americans were  wounded, making the American casualty rate for the battle 75%.   Four Afghan soldiers were also wounded.

Other new main points from the report:

1.  The local police chief and another district official aided the attackers, most likely under duress.  However, the report recommends both the district governor and police chief either be replaced or arrested.  Officer in charge of the area disagrees citing cooperation.

2.  Taliban fighters crept into Want the night before the attack and told the villagers to leave.  They then built fighting positions from homes and the mosque.

3.  The report confirms (as I first reported) villagers repeatedly warned the Americans, although such a large assault was not considered plausible at that time.  This despite knowledge of a 300 strong Taliban force operating in region earlier in the month.

4.  Taliban fighters routed water into a ditch and field near the American position so the noise would help conceal the Taliban movement.

5.  The police force in Want was found with large amounts of weapons and ammunition that is suspected to have been used by militant fighters.  Following the battle (smoke from which could be seen for miles) the local police force of 20 acted “as if nothing was wrong”.

6.  Coalition officers at all levels of the fight were exonerated of wrong doing.  “The actions by leaders at all levels were based upon sound military analysis, proper risk mitigation and for the right reasons,” the report said.