Afghan, Coalition forces conduct Operation Valley Flood

KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan— Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps, Afghan National Army, completed Operation Valley Flood Jan. 25.

The operation, supported by Coalition Forces from Task Force La Fayette, aimed to disrupt insurgent networks in Alasay Valley, Kapisa Province.

A total of 800 members of the Afghan National Security Forces and 300 French soldiers were involved in the operation, with Afghan Infantry units from the 31st and 33rd Kandaks, a Route Clearance Detachment and 200 Afghan National Police leading the operation.

French Battle Groups Musketeer and Tiger provided four backing and support Liaison Detachments equipped with armoured support vehicles.

To better facilitate operations and coordination, ANA Gen. Nazar, 3rd Brigade commander, co-located his headquarters with Coalition Forces in Tagab District. This allowed Nazar full oversight of the operation while simultaneously coordinating use of fire support, intelligence and quick response elements from both sides of the combined force.

Despite difficult weather conditions with strong snowfalls, Operation Valley Flood took place over the course of seven days in two phases.

The first phase of the operation was to emplace ANA and Coalition support elements in the area. Sensing the impending operation, insurgents engaged ANA elements with small-arms fire from the safety of local houses.

In a second phase, Afghan forces focused their initial efforts at the mouth of the valley near Tagab and Tartakhel Districts. Once a foothold was establish the Afghan force proceeded up the valley to Alasay and Hassanabat Districts as insurgents continued to use local villagers and their homes for cover.

Afghan National Police conducted zone control missions; searching suspicious houses, setting up checkpoints and patrolling while the ANA 3rd Brigade was deployed en masse.

The ANA was met with heavy and repeated insurgent resistance, but it consistently repelled the attacks with the assistance of Coalition artillery and air support.

Upon conclusion of the operation, 20 insurgents were killed and a dozen were injured.

Following the operation, Nazar led a shura with Alasay Valley’s elders. He denounced the insurgent’s methods of using homes for cover and putting innocent Afghans in danger. He also used the opportunity to explain the objectives of the operation and to reassure the local people.