Situation
Al Tabqah Main Airfield had been taken and FOB HARRIER established. Holding both was another matter.
The airborne force at HARRIER was short of supply and under repeated counterattack.
The KRA had stopped trying to retake the airfield directly and changed approach. They fortified the river crossings to the south, cutting the route any relief force would have to use. At the same time they pulled their command staff back into Al Tabqah city, into a heavily protected forward command base.
The plan was to starve HARRIER out rather than storm it.
The force
CVO and M100F both returned for the second operation, and both came back heavier. M100F fielded a full second platoon.
The combined force put 60-70 players on the ground across 3 units. The largest operation the 47th has ever run.
Assets were 2 rotary aircraft for transport and limited close air support, and 2 L16 81mm mortar teams.
The tasking
3 objectives, and they had to run in order.
Break the River Line. Take 1 of the 2 bridges held by KRA defenders. Neutralise the ZSU anti-air positions covering them where it was tactically possible.
Reinforce FOB HARRIER. Link up with the airborne force and resupply the installation.
Strike the Command. Assault Al Tabqah in a coordinated push, seize the KRA forward command base, and take the enemy's ability to coordinate with it.
The enemy was dug in: trenches, bunkers, heavy machine guns, anti-armour teams, ZSU vehicles, mortar support and mechanised quick reaction forces.
Rules of engagement were free fire on confirmed KRA combatants, positive identification required outside military positions, and civilian casualties to be minimised.
