February 13 – June 2010 · Helmand Province Theater
February 13 – June 2010
The largest Marine operation since the Battle of Fallujah, Operation Moshtarak sends 15,000 US, NATO, and Afghan troops into Marjah — a Taliban stronghold and major opium-producing district in Helmand Province. The operation is fought transparently, with the US announcing the assault in advance to minimize civilian casualties. Marines take the town but find the promised Afghan government 'in a box' — a functioning administration ready to move in — is illusory.
Commanders