ANA, ISAF defeat insurgents in Nuristan

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers along with International Security Assistance Forces in Nuristan successfully defended its bases from an insurgent attack, Nov. 14. 

Coalition Forces and members of the ANA’s 4th Kandak at Forward Operating Base Kalagush, in eastern Afghanistan, protected the FOB and Observation Post Loyalty from an hour-long ground assault that saw 16 insurgents killed, including two known Taliban commanders.

There were two main factors that contributed to the successful outcome: credible, timely intelligence and coalition preparedness.

“With the flood of reporting indicating an imminent attack, there was no way we could’ve overlooked the validity of the information received,” said U.S. Army Spc. Jonathan Martinez from Chicago, Ill., 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment intelligence analyst. ”We were able to disseminate the information in a timely manner, providing Coalition Forces an adequate amount of time to prepare. With locals willing to provide Coalition Forces accurate information, I believe we’re gaining the trust of the general populace in our area of operations.”

Earlier in the week, numerous reports said an attack against the FOB was imminent. Each report confirmed the legitimacy of the information received from other sources. The Afghan National Defense Service, the Afghan National Police, along with district and local leaders were only a few who contributed to the intelligence gathering effort.

The night prior to the attack, surveillance reports showed flares, tracers and movement on the ridgelines northeast of the FOB at an abandoned OP. Soldiers at OP Loyalty requested fire support to deny the enemy the freedom of movement. 

The synchronization of the forward observer, the fire direction center and the gun line produced illumination and high explosive rounds that bombarded the hilltops, disrupting the enemy advances.

As the sun rose over the hilltops the next morning, a group of insurgents attacked OP Loyalty. 

“I have full confidence in my NCOs up there. They all stepped up,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Riley from Clinton Township, Mich., platoon sergeant.

The success of the ANA and Coalition Forces in the battle can be largely attributed to good training.

“Rehearsals, not being complacent and a lot drills kept us on the edge,” said U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Coryell from Cheyenne, Wyo., 2-77 FA Fire Direction Center primary computer operator.

The 2-77 FA 120mm mortar team was one of the first groups to respond to the attack. They delivered 43 rounds of high explosives onto their targets, resulting in six enemy killed in action.

“We do a lot of dry fire missions and rehearsals for direct and indirect fires,” commented U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Charles Moss, 2-77 FA platoon Sgt. for the artillery and mortar teams. “My guys know where to go and what to do, its muscle memory,” 

The triumphant outcome of the battle increased the morale of the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and ANA at FOB Kalagush.

“I’m ready for round two!” exclaimed U.S. Army Sgt. Geovanni Carrasquillo from Puerto Rico, 2-77 FA fire direction chief.