Operation/Patrol Time:
0600 Charlie (UTC+3), 16JUL25
Weather/Forecast Information:
Current temp: 83 degrees F, 28% humidity, 0% precipitation, 10 mph wind speed.
Lighting/Visibility Factors:
0% cloud cover. Sunrise at 0531 and sunset at 1850.
Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs) & Aviation Advisory Information
No change from previous phase.
Theater/Strategic-level News & Intelligence Updates, Activity, and Analysis
The three weeks of relative peace have ended with the recent ignition in militant activities across Anizay, which can mostly be attributed to the re-activated cells belonging to the Lions of the Tigris. These cells are now more similar in structure and capability to professional military units than ever, with freshly-recruited fighters equipped, trained, and supported with newly-obtained mechanized assets supplied by the Islamist Republic of Duresh.
The attempts to collaborate with the Iraqi Ground Forces and train their troops for the eventual hand-over has also run into difficulties, as the increased OPFOR capabilities have caused major damage to INDFOR morale.
While the 506th is still deployed as a COIN force, all coalition troops must now prepare for the likely transition to a more conventional battle in the near future.
Local/Tactical-level News & Intelligence Updates, Activity, and Analysis
Recognising the escalation in OPFOR capabilities, the Mortar Section, Alpha Company, callsign Havoc 4 has been re-activated and re-attached to each Task Force to provide troops with indirect fire support.
As a result of the renewed fighting across Anizay, numerous locations have been marked as possible or confirmed OPFOR strongpoints. The confirmed OPFOR strongpoints are:
OP ARMADILLO grid 082 088, which was recaptured by the Lions from the Iraqi Ground Forces after the failure to complete AUXOP Alpha during ODD 05-25.
OP TUMBLEWEED grid 095 014, the new designation for the town of Murabat, which is a historic border fortress town which is now confirmed to be a major smuggling hub for the Lions.
OP CORNWALL grid 017 013, the new designation for Asadis Oil, which has been taken over and currently being operated by the Lions.
OP SMITH, in the vicinity of grid 025 055, which is the current best estimation for the location of a major enemy supply cache.
Special Info/Patrol Objective-specific Intelligence
As previously mentioned, OP TUMBLEWEED, aka Murabat, is a historic border fortress town situated in the only MSR leading in and out of the Canyons sector, connecting Anizay to larger Al-Anbar Governorate to the South-East. The OP is surrounded by large concrete walls and cliffsides on all directions, drastically reducing the effectiveness of ISR and fire support from the air. All troops, and especially Havoc 4, are strongly recommended to keep the difficult terrain in mind when conducting fires and maneuvers.