Operation Mountain Fury

A US soldier searches for weapons hiding places in Alizai

date	September 16, 2006 to January 15, 2007
place	Paktika , Khost , Ghazni , Paktia , Logar
output	Coalition Forces Victory

Parties to the conflict
Taliban Al Qaeda	United States United States United Kingdom Canada Netherlands Italy Estonia United Kingdom Canada Netherlands Italy Estonia
Commander
Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Osmani †	Gene. David Richards (UK)
Troop strength
Unknown	4,000 Afghan Army, 3,000 ISAF
losses
1,131 dead, 179 prisoners	71 Afghan Army, 37 ISAF

Operation Mountain Fury was a NATO- led operation designed to drive the Taliban out of the eastern provinces of Afghanistan following Operation Medusa . Furthermore, reconstruction projects in the region should be made possible, such as the construction of schools, hospitals and courts. The operation started on September 16, 2006.

During the course of the operation, the Taliban suffered heavy losses in direct fighting with coalition forces. According to NATO Commander James L. Jones and Canadian Defense Minister Gordon O'Connor , the Taliban will likely focus more on the use of booby traps and ambushes in the future. Jones also linked the region's growing opium production to the insurgents.

The Canadians continue their attacks in Panjwaii

Immediately after the main fighting in Operation Medusa ceased, the Canadians began their reconstruction efforts. Among other things, a connecting road, code-named "Summit", was to be built between Panjwaii and remote areas, including Kandahar . The Taliban attacked coalition forces in both Panjwaii and Kandahar. Booby traps and suicide bombings killed several Canadian and American soldiers. Canada's participation in Operation Mountain Fury began with its own operation called Operation Falcon's Summit on December 15, 2006. In the course of the operation, the Canadian armed forces were able to take control of several areas that had previously been retreats for the Taliban. During the first week of the operation, the Canadians successfully launched several heavy artillery and tank attacks to destroy Taliban positions.

American offensive

In the meantime, the American troops began their action against Taliban troops who had holed up in the border area with Pakistan. The locations were the regions of Paktika, Khost, Ghazni, Paktia, Logar and Nuristan. The operation was spearheaded by the 10th Mountain Division . In these areas, which had previously been firmly in the hands of the Taliban, several smaller outposts were established. These outposts and American patrols came under heavy fire from the Taliban almost every day. As a result, Americans suffered about 150 casualties (dead and wounded) in just two and a half months.

A U.S. soldier on patrol

British attack repulsed

On December 5, 2006, British forces attacked a Taliban-controlled valley near Gamsir in southern Afghanistan . After a counterattack, which could not be stopped by artillery fire and air strikes, the British troops had to withdraw again. At dawn, the British troops entered the valley, which is considered one of the main growing areas for opium . The troops initially encountered only slight resistance. A little later, however, the Taliban began a well-organized counterattack supported by heavy weapons. Apparently the Taliban's aim was to flank British troops. With the help of a well-developed system of trenches and hidden positions, the Taliban were able to press ahead with their attack. The British called attack helicopters and bombers for support, but were unable to stop the counterattack. They finally had to withdraw after 10 hours of heavy fighting. The battle was the latest in a series of battles between the Taliban and British forces on the north side of the valley. Although the British had to withdraw in the end, the attack was still considered a success, as several strategically important positions could be secured. However, without further support from Afghan troops, it would have been difficult to move forward.

Mullah Osmani dies

On December 19, 2006, Mullah Osmani and two other people were killed in their car in a NATO air strike in Helmand Province . Mullah Osmani was the leader of the Taliban troops throughout southern Afghanistan.

Another British attack

On New Year's Day 2007, another operation was started by British forces. Operation Clay was carried out by British commandos who were involved in heavy fighting with the Taliban for a total of four days. In the north of Helmand 110 Royal Marines supported the operation. One of the Taliban's training camps was destroyed during the operation. The Taliban lost dozens of fighters.

From January 13-15, 2006, the Royal Marines also attacked an important Taliban camp in the south of Helmand. A British marine and around 30 Taliban were killed.