“Achilles” ( eng. Achilles ) is the code name for a military operation conducted by NATO forces during the counter-terrorist operation in Afghanistan in 2007 .
Operation Achilles ( Eng. Operation Achilles ) | |||
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NATO flag | |||
date | March 6, 2007 - May 30, 2007 | ||
A place | Afghanistan Afghanistan | ||
Status | completed | ||
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Commanders | |||
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Operation Achilles was launched on March 6, 2007 at 5 am Afghan time. At this point, it was the largest ground operation of the NATO forces in Afghanistan during the whole period of their stay here [1] . The goal of Operation Achilles was to regain control of the southern Afghan province of Helmand. In the fall of 2006, US forces were already operating in the area, causing significant damage to the Taliban . However, the Taliban took advantage of the winter truce with the Afghan authorities to regroup, and in early 2007 seized the city of Musa-Kala.
The operation involved 4,500 NATO troops from the contingents of Great Britain , the Netherlands , Canada , Denmark , as well as 1,000 soldiers of the Afghan National Army. The combined forces were commanded by Major General Ton Van Loon (Netherlands), replaced by Major General Jacko Page (Great Britain) on May 1 .
This long-term initiative is crucial for the rehabilitation of the Kajaki multi-purpose dam and the energy block, the development of water supply to settlements, the rehabilitation of the irrigation system on agricultural land and the supply of electricity to local residents, industrial and commercial facilities. |
- Major General Ton Van Loon [1]
Operation Achilles ended May 30, 2007. On the same day, Operation Lastay Coolang was launched in Helmand Province with the participation of the same units. As a result of the actions of NATO forces in three months, according to official data, more than 1,000 militants were killed and 28 were captured. 16 NATO soldiers (6 British, 6 Canadians, 2 Americans, 1 Dutchman, 1 Dane) and 19 Afghan soldiers were killed.
Notes
- ↑ The US contingent separately from the NATO forces conducted larger operations.
See also
- Battle of Kamdesh
- Operation "Moshtarak"