Counterinsurgency: An attempt to stabilize the security situation in the province.
Operation Achilles, an initiative of NATO as part of the Afghanistan War, was launched with the intent to purge the Helmand province of Taliban presence. The operation commenced on March 6, 2007, marking it as the most extensive NATO-facilitated operation in Afghanistan to date. It was noted by NATO officials that the Taliban had deviated from open confrontations, favoring guerrilla warfare instead.
British ISAF forces took the lead in this mission, concentrating efforts on the Kajakai Dam and nearby towns. The dam, a critical power source for Afghanistan, had been non-operational for several years. Sub-operations such as Operation Volcano, which saw the successful clearance of a sizable Taliban base near the Kajakai Dam by British Royal Marines, and Operation Kryptonite, which led to the purging of the dam by allied forces, formed part of the mission.
On March 16, U.S. General Dan McNeill reported ongoing skirmishes between NATO forces and insurgents at multiple locations in Southern Afghanistan. However, he observed that the majority of the insurgents were avoiding direct encounters with Western troops. He also announced NATO’s plans to launch additional operations against the Taliban in the upcoming spring and summer seasons.
As part of Operation Achilles, Operation Volcano entailed British Royal Marines eliminating a 25-compound Taliban stronghold near the Kajakai hydroelectric dam. The Marines, receiving intense fire from Taliban assault rifles, machine guns, and rocket-propelled grenades, systematically cleared the compounds and buildings with the assistance of mortar and air support.
On April 3, US and Afghan forces, acting on a tip, raided a compound in Helmand province suspected of sheltering a junior Taliban commander. The tip proved accurate, leading to intense combat which resulted in at least 10 Taliban fatalities and two captures. No casualties were reported on the coalition side. The junior commander’s fate remained unclear.
On April 30, approximately 1,000 ISAF troops, in conjunction with Afghan National Army ground forces, advanced north through the Sangin Valley. They succeeded in driving out the Taliban from Gereshk and adjacent villages, reportedly killing over 130 Taliban fighters. However, this action sparked protests by thousands of Afghans claiming that the fatalities were civilians, not combatants. According to a US military statement, these Taliban fighters were killed in two separate skirmishes in Herat, a western province. As a facet of the operation, British Royal Engineers constructed patrol bases of company size for the Afghan National Security Forces.
Local villagers’ claims of civilian casualties incited vehement protests. The region of Herat, which borders Iran and had been comparatively safe until recently, saw heightened tension compared to the more volatile southern and eastern regions where Taliban activities are concentrated. Both confrontations occurred in the Zerkoh valley, south of the Shindand district, extending into Farah province further south.
US-led troops and Afghan forces were involved in a 14-hour battle on a Sunday, resulting in the deaths of 87 Taliban fighters. Another 49 Taliban members, including two leaders, were killed two days prior when a Taliban group attacked a joint coalition and Afghan patrol in another part of the valley. However, local officials reported that the death toll included up to 51 civilians, encompassing women and children.
In the succeeding days, the operation continued to advance, with ISAF and Afghan National Army forces pressuring the Taliban on multiple fronts. Using a combination of ground troops, air support, and strategic planning, they effectively pushed the insurgents out of strategic areas. Despite facing resistance, they managed to make significant progress in accomplishing their objectives.
Following the intense battles, the troops focused on securing the cleared areas and ensuring they remained free of Taliban influence. They conducted patrols and established additional bases for the Afghan National Security Forces, strengthening their presence in the region. Moreover, they also began engaging with local communities to rebuild trust and develop a better understanding of their needs and concerns.
The operation, however, was not without controversy. Accusations of civilian casualties continued to mar its progress. NATO and Afghan officials reiterated their commitment to minimizing civilian harm and promised to investigate any alleged incidents thoroughly.
As part of their efforts to win over local support, coalition forces also started reconstruction work in some of the worst-affected areas. They repaired infrastructure, reopened schools, and began medical aid programs to help the locals recover from the impact of the conflict.
On the frontline, confrontations between the coalition forces and the Taliban continued sporadically, but the intensity of the battles gradually diminished. This was partially due to the coalition’s pressure on the Taliban, which made it difficult for the insurgents to regroup and launch large-scale attacks.
Despite facing challenges and criticism, Operation Achilles ultimately managed to make significant strides in pushing the Taliban back. By the time the operation concluded, the forces had achieved notable gains in security and stability within the region.
Nevertheless, the situation remained complex. Even after the operation’s conclusion, the Taliban continued to pose a threat in the region, and local residents remained wary of the security situation. Despite the notable gains, the long-term impact of Operation Achilles remained to be seen, as the overall situation in Afghanistan continued to evolve.