Operation/Patrol Time:
0900 Charlie (UTC+3), 13JUN25
Weather/Forecast Information:
Current temp: 98 degrees F, 15% humidity, 0% precipitation, 13 mph wind speed.
Lighting/Visibility Factors:
0% 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
Thanks to the 506th's diligent COIN and conventional efforts against the Swords of Tarhid throughout the first 2 phases of Operation Dust Devil, most - if not all - insurgent cells within Northern Anizay have been identified and driven underground. A positive side effect of the success thus far, many insurgent fighters and mid-level leaders have defected and provided critical intelligence to BLUFOR in exchange for covert extraction and protection. On the other hand, remaining loyal SoT forces have made a noticeable effort to alter and conceal their convoy and transport routes, likely in concert with the known smuggling outfit named Lions of the Tigris, effectively degrading our ISR effectiveness especially in the mountainous Canyons sector to the South-East.
However, the SoT's destruction may very well result in another power vacuum situation similar to what followed Operation Desert Fury, where the decline of the Sons of Al-Karbouli opened up a power vacuum and led to an even more complex tactical and political environment. BLUFOR is therefore strongly advised to maintain heightened trigger discipline, environmental awareness, and professionalism when interacting with civilians while the U.S. State Department conducts critical diplomatic work with the Iraqi government on how to best acknowledge and respond to the needs of the Sunni population of the Al-Anbar Governorate.
Local/Tactical-level News & Intelligence Updates, Activity, and Analysis
While the SoT's combat effectiveness has been degraded, their leadership have not been completely idle. The recent VBIED attack against Task Force Charlie at COP Morgan which resulted in 1x Marine KIA and 2x WIAs was loudly claimed by the SoT as revenge for Task Force Alpha's successful assault on OP Armadillo. This attack is only the most notable of many, representing a strong spike in the number of reported IED attacks against BLUFOR across the theatre of operations, and is an indicator towards the increased presence of the Al-Fulisan Brigade, who is well-known for their explosives ordinance expertise. Whether the Brigade is stepping up as a collaborator to the SoT or is looking to fill the widening power vacuum along with the Lions of the Tigris is unknown at this time.
Special Info/Patrol Objective-specific Intelligence
OP Lemoyne is an ancient fortress built on a dominating position, with clear sight lines across the entire desert sector and even to the edges of the green zones to the north-west. As such, approaches are very likely to be spotted until troops reach the defilade provided by the canyons themselves. The village of Mian to the South-East of OP Lemoyne has been designated as occupied by OPFOR troops as reported by the Iraqi Ground Forces, who suffered an ambush there roughly 48 hours prior. To aid with navigation, all leadership must remain cognizant of large rock formations and cliffs, which are drawn on the map as dark grey areas, similar to shadows, and keep in mind the possibility of subterranean features such as tunnels, both natural and man-made, that can allow OPFOR to move through these formations to flank BLUFOR.
