Operation/Patrol Time:
0730 Charlie (UTC+3), 14JUL25
Weather/Forecast Information:
Current temp: 88 degrees F, 24% humidity, 0% precipitation, 10 mph wind speed.
Lighting/Visibility Factors:
52% cloud cover. Sunrise at 0540 and sunset at 1922.
Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs) & Aviation Advisory Information
No change from previous phase.
Theater/Strategic-level News & Intelligence Updates, Activity, and Analysis
The newly established hierarchy amongst the militant factions has caused an unexpected side effect that saw an uneasy peace settle over Al-Anbar for the last 2 weeks, during which only the IGF reported sporadic contact with residual insurgent elements. With the Swords of Tarhid weakened from continuous Coalition operations since June, the Lions of the Tigris are now at the top of the food chain, and they have been focused on consolidating their newly-acquired manpower and materiel. While the 506th is limited in direct offensive options by COIN doctrine against the Lions before any of their cells are activated, 1st Battalion HQ has made the decision to not cede the initiative to the enemy, and instead conduct joint patrols with the IGF in an effort to improve relations and support long-term transition of the security mission.
Local/Tactical-level News & Intelligence Updates, Activity, and Analysis
The Lions have experienced tremendous growth in numbers due to recruiting directly from the pool of deserters and defectors of the Swords, and have also gained direct support from the Islamist Republic of Duresh in the form of mechanized assets, materiel and military training. Therefore, once their cells are re-activated, the Lions are expected to be a much more competent fighting force than the Swords of Tarhid, but still less well-equipped and trained than a true professional army. Meanwhile, the Al-Fulisan Brigade, as the smallest faction but is no less dangerous due to their military background and IED expertise, is suspected to have reached out to gain the support of Duresh via the Lions as the intermediary, and will likely also support the Lions as a result.
Special Info/Patrol Objective-specific Intelligence
Riqay airfield was previously raided by the British 22nd Special Air Service as part of Coalition forces during Phase 02 a month ago on 05JUN25, acting on time-sensitive intelligence that the Swords of Tarhid was in control of the facilities under the guise of civilian use, and had just landed a UH-1H Huey at the airfield which was serving as personal transport for some of their top level leadership. The raid was successful, and the SoT commander as apprehended, leading to swift capitulation of SoT militants on the Southern sectors of Anizay, which is partly why the sector has been quiet thus far.
Since the Lions of the Tigris has become the number one threat in the region, Riqay airfield has experienced a gradual but noticeable increase in traffic both in and around the airfield itself. While the increase in traffic isn't cause to warrant cordon and kick operations, HUMINT and SIGINT have suggested possible militant activity within Riqay village to the South, and around Akhund Oilfield to the North.
To the North-East of Riqay airfield is Amaro village, a small tourism-focused community set in a deep man-made valley meant to eventually become another attraction to complement the Ziggurats to the West. As laid out in the Area of Operations Profile, construction of tourist areas within this sector are intentionally mired in delays, and all construction activities serve as money sinks and camouflage to funnel funding from third party actors towards militant factions. The village of Amaro is very likely part of this system, though there is no sign of it actively being used by militants at this time.