TAGAB VALLEY, Afghanistan – The 3rd Brigade of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the Afghan police forces, supported by the French Task Force La Fayette (TFLF6), planned and conducted a security operation in Tagab Valley, named operation Hunting Spear 7 May 25-31, 2012.

Seven hundreds soldiers from five Kandaks (battalions) and Afghan policemen, supported by 300 French soldiers, proceeded in security patrols in Kapisa, Tagab and Alasay valleys.

The operation began with the infiltration and implementation of the French support by helicopters on the hills of Tagab Valley.

By the end of the night, the Afghan troops recognized the routes defined in the planning of the operation.

During this implementation, the Afghans elements took heavy fire. They then returned fire, supported by the French Tiger helicopters and coalition aircraft.

Afghan police, local and national were in support. Several insurgents were neutralized and the others retreated.

These engagements have allowed the ANA to start construction of police checkpoints at strategic locations to secure the main roads in Tagab Valley.

Over the following days less intense engagements continued. Afghan soldiers spotted the insurgent positions. They guided their own mortar support and designated targets for French and coalition air assets. Coordination between the Afghan Army and police helped to control these threats effectively. The insurgents could not prevent the achievement of the objectives set by the ANA.

Three Afghan soldiers were killed in the fighting and about 20 wounded. Despite these losses, the determination of the Afghan forces allowed them to neutralize a dozen of  insurgents, injuring a dozen of them and capturing two in which a insurgent leader.

Three monitoring stations were built.

Afghan police reinforced the security area in Tagab region.

Hunting Spear 7 was the first major operation of the 3rd Brigade at the beginning of the warm season, while the insurgents are most active.