March 2–18, 2002 · Shahi-Kot Valley Theater
March 2–18, 2002
Operation Anaconda attempts to encircle and destroy several hundred Al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters in the Shahi-Kot Valley in a hammer-and-anvil operation. The plan goes wrong almost immediately — Afghan troops meant to be the blocking force don't materialize, intelligence underestimates enemy numbers, and enemy fighters are far more capable than expected. Eight Americans are killed including in the famous SEAL Team Six Takur Ghar battle where Petty Officer Neil Roberts falls from a helicopter.
Commanders