The Afghan National Army (ANA) 2nd Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps, partnered with Afghan National Police (ANP), Afghan Border Police (ABP), and elements of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regimant (PIR), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, executed Operation Spinah Tsukhan (English translation: Stalking Wolf) in the Berkani District of Konar Province. The operation consisted of a cordon and search of multiple objectives in the Gulparay Valley to disrupt insurgent command & control and logistic nodes in the area. It also involved engagements with the local population to gain acceptance for Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the area.
Initial assessments are that this was a successful mission that disrupted insurgent command and control and logistics, with ANSF leading the operation. Prior to the infiltration by ANSF, deliberate air strikes were conducted on several known insurgent strongholds. The air strikes were all observed safe and on target which contributed to why the insurgents did not engage during the mission by ANSF.
This operation was a success for ANSF for many reasons. ANA planned, coordinated and led the entire operation, while working closely with ANP, ABP, and 2nd/503rd PIR, which has reinforced the relationship among the different ANSF forces and their ability to conduct combined operations. While the ANP searched the objectives, the ANA provided security and then distributed humanitarian supplies to the families of the various villages in preparation for the upcoming Eids celebration. Insurgent command and control and logistics capabilities in the area have been severely disrupted as a result of the mission. Lastly, ANSF and coalition forces successfully removed unexploded ordnance, which posed a threat to the local population.
As a result of this operation, the local populace more supportive of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and more trusting of the ANSF.