Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2008

Last updated

United States and NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations, alongside Afghan National Army forces, continued against the Taliban through 2008.

Contents

On April 27, President Karzai escaped another attempt on his life: gunmen opened fire during a military parade celebrating the nation's victory and liberation from the eight-year occupation of the Soviet Union. The firefight lasted about a quarter of an hour, with 3 dead and over 10 wounded. [1]

As of September 11, 2008 has been the deadliest year for US forces since the start of the war with 113 deaths. [2] Early September also marked the first time the war spilled over on to Pakistani territory. [3] The year was also the deadliest for several European countries in Afghanistan.

There were two "coalitions" in Afghanistan in 2008, one with a strict basis in international law.

The "NATO-led coalition", identified by the press, referred to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) organised by NATO, with a specific United Nations Security Council mandate within Afghanistan, including most of the US forces in Afghanistan, NATO contingents and some non-NATO forces.

The "US-led coalition", identified by the press, referred to Operation Enduring Freedom forces, mostly special forces and air forces, within a strictly U.S. Department of Defense chain of command. The United States claimed the right to conduct these operations by asserting Article 51, self defence, of the United Nations Charter.

Events in May

U.S. Marines in Garmsir. US Marines in Garmsir Afghanistan.jpg
U.S. Marines in Garmsir.

By the end of December 2007, the situation on the ground in Helmand province reached a stalemate. A de facto border was established east of Garmsir along the banks of the Helmand River that divided British-held from Taliban-held territory. The British were outnumbered by the larger Taliban force which was receiving reinforcements from Pakistan. However the British had jets and heavy artillery on their side. Both forces were fighting in the coming months for mere yards of territory. [4]

In early April 2008, U.S. Marine reinforcements were sent to NATO forces in Helmand to help in the fight. After all of the troops arrived, Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) started their operations with an attack on the Taliban-held town of Garmsir on April 29. The operation was in conjunction with British troops of the 16 Air Assault Brigade. [5] They met almost no resistance, because the Taliban had already observed in the previous days the movements of the Marines before the operation and expected an assault so withdrew to take up positions a few kilometers outside the town. [6] For the next few days there was no contact between the US Marines and the Taliban. But, on May 1, a Marine patrol tried to push further outside of the town and almost immediately were met with machine gun and rocket fire. The unit was pinned down against a dirt berm for several hours. Soon Marine and Taliban forces exchanged mortar fire. At the end of the day, no Marines were hurt or wounded. The Taliban casualty count was not known. [7]

Fighting in Afghanistan was not limited to the south. In May, Norwegian and German led ISAF forces, alongside Afghan National Army troops, conducted Operation Karez, a military operation in Badghis province in the north of Afghanistan. [8] It was the second time in half a year that Norwegian and German ISAF forces had participated in an offensive in Badghis province. Their objective was to eliminate the presence of Taliban insurgents who had regrouped in the area in the aftermath of Operation Harekate Yolo in late 2007. On May 23 the ISAF-led operations concluded on with no casualties among the ISAF soldiers nor the Afghan security forces. The given numbers of Taliban insurgent casualties in the operation vary, but were estimated between 13 and 15 killed in action.

Events in June

A Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducts a mission over Afghanistan, May 28, 2008, after receiving fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft. Dutch F-16.jpg
A Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducts a mission over Afghanistan, May 28, 2008, after receiving fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft.

In June 2008, British prime minister Gordon Brown announced the number of British troops serving in Afghanistan would increase to 8,030 - A rise of 230 personnel. [9] The same month, however, the UK lost its 100th serviceman killed in the war since 2001, [10] reflecting the nature of the ferocious fighting in Helmand.

On June 13, Taliban fighters demonstrated their ongoing strength, liberating all prisoners in an attack on Sarposa Prison, Kandahar. The well-planned operation freed 1200 prisoners, 400 of whom were Taliban prisoners-of-war, causing a major embarrassment for NATO in one of its operational centres in the country. [11]

On June 19, NATO and Afghan troops responded to the Kandahar jail break by launching an anti-Taliban operation in order to drive out the Taliban insurgents who had seized Arghandab, Afghanistan, an agricultural valley just north of Kandahar. BBC news reports that troops backed by helicopter gunships patrolled areas west of the Arghandab River and that people living in Arghandab District fled the area "fearing fighting between troops and militants". [12]

It was reported that a British helicopter killed a key Taliban leader called 'Sadiqullah' and up to ten members of his cell on 26 June 2008. They were said to be responsible for roadside bomb and suicide attacks against NATO and Afghan forces. The attack took place 10 kilometres north west of Kajaki in Helmand. [13]

Battle of Wanat

On July 13, 2008, a coordinated Taliban attack was launched on a remote NATO base at Wanat in the Kunar province. Approximately 200 militants began firing rockets and mortars from the nearby village, taking American ISAF forces by surprise. After causing serious damage to the integrity of the fortification, insurgents unsuccessfully attempted to storm the base. Although the militants briefly gained entry to a small forward observation post, the overall attack was repelled. In total 9 US and 4 Afghan National Army were killed, along with as many as 40 insurgents. 19 Americans and 4 Afghans were wounded, as well as 20-40 insurgents. The attack showed a step up in bold maneuvers on the part of the insurgency which usually fights on the defensive, following a bold prison assault in June. The US said 40 other militants were killed in Helmand province in separate operations. [14] NATO forces announced that they have abandoned their outpost in the village. [15]

Increased French involvement in Afghanistan

France deployed combat aircraft in 2007 and 2008 (Rafale F2, Mirage 2000D and Super Etendards) and these aircraft saw increased action over Afghanistan. [16] In August, French troops had been involved in increased fighting in the area of Sirobi some 50 km (31 mi) east of Kabul. France recently took over control of the Kabul regional command from the Italians, which includes Sirobi. Ten French troops were killed and a further 21 wounded in an ambush - the heaviest loss of troops France has suffered since deploying to Afghanistan in 2002 and the biggest single loss in 25 years. [17] Taliban losses were unknown, possibly between 13-40 killed and 30 wounded (French and Afghan claims). [18]

Later in the month, an airstrike which targeted a Taliban commander in Herat province killed 90 civilians.[ citation needed ]

Operation Eagle's Summit

Kajaki Dam. AfghanistanHelmandKajakaiDamm.jpg
Kajaki Dam.

Late August saw one of the largest operations by NATO forces in Helmand province, with the aim bringing electricity to the region. A convoy of 100 vehicles took five days to move massive sections of an electric turbine for the Kajaki Dam, covering 180 km (110 mi). The operation involved 2,000 British troops, 1,000 other NATO troops from Australia, Canada, Denmark and the US and 1,000 Afghan soldiers. The Canadians covered the first leg and the British took over at a meeting point in the desert, using 50 BVS10 Viking armoured vehicles to escort the convoy. Hundreds of special forces troops went in first, sweeping the area and although difficult to verify, British commanders estimated more than 200 insurgents were killed- without any losses or injuries to NATO soldiers. British, Dutch, French and US aircraft, helicopters and unmanned drones provided aerial reconnaissance and fire support. [19]

Events in September

On September 3, The war spilled over on to Pakistani territory for the first time when heavily armed commandos, believed to be US Army Special Forces, landed by helicopter and attacked three houses in a village close to a known Taliban and al-Qaida stronghold. The attack killed between seven and twenty people. According to local residents, most of the dead were civilians. Pakistan responded furiously, condemning the attack. The foreign ministry in Islamabad called the incursion "a gross violation of Pakistan's territory" and a "grave provocation" which, it said, had resulted in "immense" loss of civilian life. [3] [20] US-led and NATO forces said they had no reports of any troop incursion.

On September 6, in an apparent reaction to the recent cross-border attack, the federal government announced disconnection of supply lines to the allied forces stationed in Afghanistan through Pakistan for an indefinite period. [21]

On September 11, Militants killed two U.S. troops in the eastern part of the country. This brought the total number of US losses to 113, surpassing the previous years total of 111, making 2008 the deadliest year for American troops in Afghanistan since the start of the war. [2] The year was also the deadliest for several European countries in Afghanistan.

On September 12, five civilians and seven militants were reported to have been killed during a US missile attack in north-west Pakistan, in what was reported by locals to be the 5th such attack in recent days. According to early reports, all of the dead were Taliban, killed by one missile. However, later reports found that missiles hit two buildings, the second in which three women and two children were killed. Military spokesman Maj Murad Khan confirmed the missile attack. [22]

An unnamed senior Pentagon official told the BBC that at some point within the past two months President George W. Bush issued a classified order to authorize US raids against militants in Pakistan. Pakistan however said it would not allow foreign forces onto its territory and that it would vigorously protect its sovereignty. According to the Pakistani Chief of Army Staff, Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, there was "no question of any agreement or understanding with the coalition forces whereby they are allowed to conduct operations on our side of the border". The recent cross-border strikes alarmed Pakistani military and government officials, who said it seriously undermined their counter-insurgency operations. [22]

On September 25 a five-minute skirmish called Lowara Madi incident broke out between Pakistani and US forces on the Afghan-Pakistan border after Pakistani soldiers fired warning shots near two US helicopters, according to a senior US military official. No one was reported to be injured. The US claims it never crossed the border and Nato said the helicopters came under fire from a Pakistani checkpoint. However, according to an official statement by Pakistan, commanders said troops fired warning shots at the helicopters when they strayed over the Pakistan border. The statement said the US helicopters were "well within Pakistani territory", and that prompted their forces to fire warning shots. [23]

December

Coalition order of battle

As of June 2008, ISAF was made up of about 53,000 personnel from 43 different countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, 39 Asian and European countries, and all 26 NATO partners. Summary of major troop contributions (over 400, 6 October 2008): [24]

Seal of the International Security Assistance Force.svgISAF total - 50,700

Summary of coalition forces in Afghanistan in 2008

Afghan National Army

The Afghan National Army consisted of 76,000 troops in May 2008. [25] In 2008 the army had six Corps. Five corps served as regional commands for the ANA: the 201st Corps based in Kabul, [26] the 203rd Corps based in Gardez, the 205th Corps (Afghanistan) based in Kandahar, the 207th Corps in Herat, and the 209th Corps in Mazari Sharif. The final corps was the Afghan National Army Air Corps.

Australia

Australian forces have been deployed alongside Dutch forces since 2006, the Australian contingent coming under Operation Slipper. Then-Prime Minister John Howard announced plans in April 2007 to deploy 300 special forces to support the Reconstruction Taskforce. In addition to radar crews, logistics and intelligence officers, and security personnel, this would bring the number of Australian forces in Afghanistan up to about 950 in mid-2007 and 1000 by mid-2008. [27]

Canada

Denmark

Roughly 640 Danish Defence Force personnel are deployed in Afghanistan from the Royal Danish Army. [28] Almost all of them are engaged in the Helmand Province, a part of these located at Camp Bastion, the rest based in the vicinity of the Green Zone, near the town of Gereshk. Approximately 50 soldiers work along with civilian organizations.

Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) - Around 50 Danish soldiers in total are working in PRT teams Mazar E Sharif, Feyzabad and Chaghcharan.

France

The 2,600 French ground forces in 2008 included troops from the 8th Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment, the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment, the Régiment de marche du Tchad and Special Forces from the Commandement des Opérations Spéciales for Special Operations Command, including Navy, marine and air commandos.

French Air Force - Three Rafale F2 and three Mirage 2000D operated from Kandahar International Airport, [16] alongside two KC-135 refueling aircraft which are based in Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan. French Naval Super Etendards also deployed in support of ground troops.

Netherlands

The Netherlands troop deployment in Afghanistan in 2008 averaged at 1,600, mostly based in Uruzgan province at southern Afghanistan. PzH 2000 self-propelled artillery pieces were also deployed and used in combat for the first time. One reinforced company group from A (Kings') company of 11 Grenadier & Ranger Guards Battalion of the 11th Air Assault Brigade served as the regional command South's reserve unit /QRF.

The Royal Netherlands Air Force support consisted of six F-16 close-air-support aircraft (stationed at Kandahar Air Field), three Chinook transport helicopters of 298 Squadron stationed at Kandahar Airfield and six AH-64 attack helicopters of 301 Squadron at Camp Holland in Tarin Kowt. [29]

Norway

The Norwegian forces in Afghanistan consisted of one mechanized company and one support squadron from the

Also special forces from the

and also

United Kingdom

8,530 British forces operate under 'Operation Herrick'.

Operation Herrick VII (October 2007-April 2008)

Operation Herrick VIII (April–October 2008)

Operation Herrick IX (October 2008-April 2009)

The air component of British forces assigned to Operation Herrick is based at Kandahar and comes under the overall command of 904 Expeditionary Air Wing.

  • Joint Force Harrier - eleven Harrier GR9 aircraft are stationed at Kandahar tasked with providing close air support to British, Coalition and ISAF ground forces.
  • Hercules detachment - Five C-130 Hercules transport aircraft from RAF Lyneham are also stationed at Kandahar to provide troop and supply movement capability in Helmand and wider Afghanistan.
  • No 1310 Flight - The support helicopter force consists of 8 Chinook HC2 helicopters.
  • RAF Regiment - A field squadron for airfield defence

United States

The United States had 32,500 military personnel (of which 23,550 were with ISAF) in Afghanistan in 2008.

  • The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division relieved the 173rd Airborne Brigade in July 2008. The deployment includes roughly 3,500 soldiers and continues the current U.S. commitment to providing two brigade combat teams in support of Regional Command East. [31]
  • The headquarters of the 101st Airborne Division relieved the 82nd Airborne Division's headquarters on April 10, 2008. [32] Consisting of roughly 1,000 soldiers the 101st's headquarters officially became Combined Joint Task Force 101 and now commands NATO's Regional Command East sector in Afghanistan.
  • The 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, had 2,500 soldiers and deployed with the 101st Headquarters. The brigade includes the following units:
  • 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
  • The 4th Brigade, also known as the 506th Regimental Combat Team, deployed to Afghanistan in April 2008 and relieved the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.
  • The 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team New York Army National Guard [33] was the headquarters of Task Force Phoenix, which was in charge of training the Afghan National Army. The 27th deployed in the spring of 2008 and was relieved in late 2008 by the 33rd BCT.
  • Approximately 2,200 members from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed in the spring of 2008 under ISAF command. [34]
  • Along with the 24th MEU, the 2nd Battalion 7th Marines deployed to assist in the training and development of Afghan National Security Forces as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. [35]
  • The 101st Combat Aviation Brigade relieved the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade in January 2008. [36] Based at Bagram Air Field, the 101st CAB was responsible for operations in the area including convoy security, medical evacuations and the use of air assets in support of ground forces.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Security Assistance Force</span> NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan from 2001–2014

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was a multinational military mission in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014. It was established by United Nations Security Council Resolution 1386 according to the Bonn Agreement, which outlined the establishment of a permanent Afghan government following the U.S. invasion in October 2001. ISAF's primary goal was to train the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and assist Afghanistan in rebuilding key government institutions; it gradually took part in the broader war in Afghanistan against the Taliban insurgency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Medusa</span> Military operation in Afghanistan

Operation Medusa was a Canadian-led offensive during the second Battle of Panjwaii of the War in Afghanistan. The operation was fought primarily by the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group and other elements of the International Security Assistance Force, including A Co, 2-4 Infantry BN, 4th BDE, 10th Mtn Division, supported by the Afghan National Army and a team from the United States Army's 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) augmented by C Company, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division. Its goal was to establish government control over an area of Kandahar Province centered in the district of Panjwayi some 30 kilometres (19 mi) west of Kandahar city. A tactical victory, it resulted in the deaths of 12 Canadian soldiers; five during the major combat operations, five in bombings, and two in a mortar/RPG attack during the reconstruction phase of the operation. Fourteen British military personnel were also killed when their plane crashed. Despite suffering a brutal battlefield defeat, the Taliban retained their presence in Kandahar province and did not lose their will to fight, leading to the subsequent Operation Falcon Summit. Nonetheless, Operation Medusa was at the time the most significant land battle ever undertaken by NATO.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Mountain Fury</span> Military operation in Afghanistan

Operation Mountain Fury was a NATO-led operation begun on September 16, 2006 as a follow-up operation to Operation Medusa, to clear Taliban insurgents from the eastern provinces of Afghanistan. Another focus of the operation was to enable reconstruction projects such as schools, health-care facilities, and courthouses to take place in the targeted provinces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Herrick</span> British operations in Afghanistan 2002–2014

Operation Herrick was the codename under which all British operations in the War in Afghanistan were conducted from 2002 to the end of combat operations in 2014. It consisted of the British contribution to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and support to the American-led Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), within the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Musa Qala</span> Town in Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Musa Qala is a town and the district centre of Musa Qala District in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. It is located at 32.4433°N 64.7444°E and at an altitude of 1,043 m in the valley of Musa Qala River in the central western part of the district. Its population has been reported in the British press to be both 2,000 and 20,000. It is in a desolate area, populated by native Pashtun tribes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Participants in Operation Enduring Freedom</span> Countries that partook in the 2001 United States-led invasion of Afghanistan

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, several countries began military operations against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan. After the initial bombing operations, Operation Crescent Wind, OEF was the initial combat operations, and during 2002 and 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2006</span>

In January 2006, NATO's focus in southern Afghanistan was to form Provincial Reconstruction Teams with the British leading in Helmand Province and the Netherlands, Australia and Canada leading similar deployments in Orūzgān Province and Kandahar Province respectively. The United States, with 2,200 troops, stayed in control of Zabul Province. Local Taliban figures voiced opposition to the incoming force and pledged to resist it.

Operation Hammer was a British-led NATO operation in the southern Helmand province of Afghanistan. The Task Force level offensive, codenamed 'Chakush' or 'Hammer', began in the early hours of July 24, 2007 in the area between Hyderabad and Mirmandab, north-east of Gereshk. The operation continued the momentum towards expelling Taliban forces from areas of the Upper Gereshk Valley in Helmand province.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Helmand province campaign</span> 2006–2014 ISAF anti-Taliban military operations in southern Afghanistan

The Helmand province campaign was a series of military operations conducted by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces against Taliban insurgents and other local groups in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Their objective was to control a province that was known to be a Taliban stronghold, and a center of opium production. None of the ISAF's intended strategic and political objectives were achieved in the long term.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coalition combat operations in Afghanistan in 2007</span>

US and NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations, alongside Afghan National Army forces, continued against the Taliban through 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Eagle's Summit</span>

Operation Eagle's Summit was a military operation conducted by ISAF and Afghan National Army troops, with the objective of transporting a 220-tonne turbine to the Kajaki Dam in Helmand Province through territory controlled by Taliban insurgents. Ending in success for the coalition, it involved many British troops, and was said to have been one of the largest logistical operations carried out by the British Army since World War II. The operation took its name from the eagle pictured on the insignia of the 16th Air Assault Brigade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Red Dagger</span>

Operation Gaand Mara was a campaign in the War in Afghanistan with aims and objectives centred on four Taliban strongholds near the town of Nad-e-Ali in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The operation was named after the commando patch worn by members of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. 1,500 British troops were involved, supported by Danish, Estonian and Afghan forces in the pre-Christmas offensive, commencing on 7 December 2008 with a night attack on Taliban defences in a village south of the operational area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Shahi Tandar</span>

Operation Shahi Tandar, also called Operation Atal, was a series of operations by Coalition troops from the British 42 Commando Royal Marines, Royal Canadian Regiment, 2nd Battalion 2nd Infantry Regiment, and the Afghan national military in central Helmand province and the Western Panjwayi and Western Zhari districts of Kandahar, Afghanistan from January 7–31, 2009.

In 2009, the United States and NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) coalition, along with Afghan National Army forces, continued military operations against the Taliban in Afghanistan. 2009 marks the eighth year of the War in Afghanistan, which began late in 2001. And 75th ranger regiment is also in Afghanistan as of 2018

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Strike of the Sword</span> 2009, US & UK v. Taliban, Afghanistan

Operation Strike of the Sword or Operation Khanjar was a US-led offensive in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. About 4,000 Marines from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade as well as 650 Afghan troops were involved, supported by NATO planes. The operation began when units moved into the Helmand River valley in the early hours of July 2, 2009. This operation was the largest Marine offensive since the Battle of Fallujah in 2004. The operation was also the biggest offensive airlift by the Marines since the Vietnam War.

The Battle of Nawzad (2006–2014) was a battle between ISAF (coalition) forces and Taliban insurgents in Nawzad at the center of Nawzad district in the northern half of Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Garmsir</span>

The Battle of Garmsir was a battle between United States Marines and other ISAF coalition forces, and Taliban insurgents in Garmsir, southern Afghanistan. It was part of the ongoing Helmand Province campaign and took place primarily between 2007 and 2011. By the end of December 2007, the situation on the ground had reached a stalemate, and a de facto border had been established. In order to break this stalemate Operation Asada Wosa was undertaken 1st Battalion, 6th Marines, the battalion landing team for the 24th MEU along with elements from 2nd Reconnaissance Bn started their combat operations with an attack on the Taliban-held town of Garmsir on 28 April. The operation was carried out in conjunction with British troops of the 16 Air Assault Brigade. Taliban forces withdrew from the town as a result of the assault and took up a position further south.

Events from the year 2008 in Afghanistan.

Operation Moshtarak, also known as the Battle of Marjah, was an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) pacification offensive in the town of Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. It involved a combined total of 15,000 Afghan, American, British, Canadian, Danish, and Estonian troops, constituting the largest joint operation of the War in Afghanistan up to that point. The purpose of the operation was to remove the Taliban from Marja, thus eliminating the last Taliban stronghold in central Helmand Province. The main target of the offensive was the town of Marjah, which had been controlled for years by the Taliban as well as drug traffickers.

Operation Dragon Strike was a NATO counter-insurgent mission in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, against Taliban forces, which started on September 15, 2010.

References

  1. ↑ "Hamid Karzai escapes as Taleban target military parade - Times Online". Archived from the original on 2008-05-10. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  2. 1 2 US deaths in Afghanistan makes 2008 deadliest year Archived 2011-06-06 at the Wayback Machine The Washington Times Retrieved on 14-09-08
  3. 1 2 Pakistan reacts with fury after up to 20 die in 'American' attack on its soil Archived 2018-09-19 at the Wayback Machine The Guardian Retrieved on 12-09-08
  4. ↑ "British Troops, Taliban In a Tug of War Over Afghan Province". The Washington Post. March 30, 2008. Archived from the original on 2012-11-06. Retrieved 2008-03-30.
  5. ↑ "British troops help US Marines tackle the Taliban in Garmsir - UK MoD 7 May 08". Archived from the original on 2008-07-09. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  6. ↑ "Marines storm Afghan town held by Taliban". Arizona Daily Star. Archived from the original on 2012-07-20. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  7. ↑ "Marines launch assault in Afghanistan" . Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  8. ↑ Telemark Battalion in new combat with Taliban Archived 2008-06-01 at the Wayback Machine , Aftenposten, 27 May 2008
  9. ↑ BBC - Extra UK troops for Afghanistan, 16 June 2008
  10. ↑ Brown in tribute to Afghan dead, 9 June 2008
  11. ↑ "Insurgent attack frees hundreds from Kandahar prison". Archived from the original on 2008-08-01. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  12. ↑ "Anti-Taleban operation launched". Archived from the original on 2011-09-19. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  13. ↑ - Apaches "strike a blow" at Taliban leadership - UK MoD 30 June 2008 Archived July 2, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  14. ↑ "- Militants breached US/Afghan base- July 14, 2008". Archived from the original on 2008-07-20. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  15. ↑ "U.S. troops abandon outpost on Afghan-Pakistani border - International Herald Tribune". Archived from the original on 2008-08-04. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  16. 1 2 French Ministry of Defence, Rafales carry out their first mission Archived 2008-10-13 at the Wayback Machine , February 2008
  17. ↑ "- Afghan ambush kills French troops - August 19, 2008". Archived from the original on 2017-08-12. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  18. ↑ Straziuso, Jason; Shah, Amir (2008-08-20). "Afghan militants kill 10 French, strike at US base". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2008-08-21.
  19. ↑ "- UK troops in huge turbine mission - BBC - 2 September 2008". Archived from the original on 2008-09-09. Retrieved 2008-09-10.
  20. ↑ Pakistan fury over 'US assault' Archived 2008-09-12 at the Wayback Machine BBC Retrieved on 12-09-08
  21. ↑ Pakistan cuts supply lines to Nato forces Archived 2008-09-12 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 12-09-08
  22. 1 2 'Another US strike' hits Pakistan Archived 2008-09-15 at the Wayback Machine BBC Retrieved on 12-09-08
  23. ↑ Shots fired in US-Pakistan clash Archived 2008-10-01 at the Wayback Machine BBC Retrieved on 01-10-08
  24. ↑ - International Security Assistance Force Factsheet - NATO, 6 October 2008 Archived November 23, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  25. ↑ "Afghan national army strength rises to 76,000". Archived from the original on 2008-09-15. Retrieved 2008-09-12.
  26. ↑ DefendAmerica.mil, Afghan Army gets armored personnel carriers Archived December 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine , April 25, 2005
  27. ↑ Australia to double Afghan force Archived 2008-04-08 at the Wayback Machine . bbc.co.uk. Written 2007-4-10. Accessed 2007-4-12.
  28. ↑ Danish participation in international operations [ permanent dead link ]
  29. ↑ Airforce Forces Monthly, October 2008
  30. ↑ VG Newspaper: Norsk offensiv i Afghanistan - Minst 13 Taliban-soldater drept i harde kamper Archived 2008-09-21 at the Wayback Machine (in Norwegian)
  31. ↑ Combined Joint Task Force-101 Big Red One takes command in northeastern Afghanistan Archived September 20, 2008, at the Wayback Machine , July 27, 2008
  32. ↑ American Forces Press Service 101st Airborne Takes Over for 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan Archived 2008-09-11 at the Wayback Machine , April 10, 2008
  33. ↑ "DoD Announces Unit For Next Afghanistan Rotation". Archived from the original on 2009-02-13. Retrieved 2008-09-11.
  34. ↑ Ann Scott Tyson, U.S. to Bolster Forces in Afghanistan Archived 2017-06-16 at the Wayback Machine , The Washington Post, January 10, 2008 and later DoD Announces Units For Afghanistan Deployment Archived 2008-09-15 at the Wayback Machine
  35. ↑ LOLITA C. BALDOR, 3,200 Marines Prepare for Afghan Tour [ dead link ], The Washington Post, January 15, 2008
  36. ↑ Army Times, 101st CAB assumes command in Afghanistan
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.