Operation Cobra's Anger

Operation Cobra's Anger
Part of the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Date 4 December 2009 – December 7, 2009 Location Nawzad district in Afghanistan Result Coalition Victory
Belligerents
United States, Afghanistan	Taliban insurgents Al-Qaeda
Commanders and leaders
Lt. Col. Martin Wetterauer
Strength
1,000 (USMC), 150 (ANA)	Unknown
Casualties and losses
None	16 killed, 5 captured

Operation Cobra's Anger was a US-led offensive in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. About 1,000 Marines as well as 150 Afghan troops were involved. The operation began in the early hours of 4 December 2009. The main goal of the operation was to disrupt Taliban supply and communications lines in the strategic Now Zad valley of Helmand province.

Operation

The operation began on 4 December 2009, when some 300 Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and the Marine recon unit Task Force Raider dropped into the Now Zad valley via CH-53E helicopters and V-22 Osprey aircraft. This was the first time the Osprey were used in combat operations in Afghanistan. In preparation for the Marine offensive the Taliban planted thousands of homemade bombs and dug in positions throughout the valley at the foot of the craggy Tangee Mountains.

By the end of the third day of the operation no major resistance had been encountered.