OP2408-09-2 After Action Report

OP2408-09-2
Transcript:
OP2408-09-2
Chernarus 2nd Army Corps issued a warning order to 3rd Separate Tank Brigade and its battalions that the separatists' operations in Northwestern Chernarus would continue, this time for the purpose of allowing its maneuver units to attempt an encirclement of friendly forces to the east.

Relying on reports from friendly local agents based in Stary Saltov, and from electronic intercepts including email and texts, intelligence staff for 3rd Battalion concluded that the separatists were planning to take over the village of Yashkul', some four km south of Stary Saltov, hold that village, and cover their flanks as they executed a turning maneuver to the east.

3rd Battalion was the only operational unit prepared to counter the separatists' move. Operations staff assembled a small armored task force, including three T-72 tanks, two BMP rifle squads, and two BRDM scout cars. Additionally, a fourth T-72 tank and two BTR-60 rifle squads were moved forward to the forward zone in anticipation of deployment in the new operation.

The three tanks of the task force, after Command Squad approached the start line, encountered enemy covering forces in the form of medium and light armor. As that line advanced north to Yashkul', Tank 2 was destroyed, but not before it destroyed an enemy T-55 tank.

Tank 3 continued to advance to the southern edge of Yashkul', with Tank 1, with Command Squad advancing and following on. Tank 1 and Command Squad encountered a large enemy force consisting of one BMP IFV, one Russian interior ministry special operations team, and Wagner Group operators, pushing south of Yashkul', and directly engaging Tank 1 and Command Squad.

Task Force commander directed Scout 1 to the furthest edge in order to engage the enemy infantry, but was destroyed by the enemy BMP. Command Squad, along with Tank 1 continue to press north eventually entering the village from the southwest, penetrating into the enemy's defensive cordon that had been hastily set up. It was here Task Force commander was killed.

Task force second in command ordered the immediate deployment of reinforcements, with Reinforcing Rifle Squad 1 to support Tank 3 on the northeast edge of the deployment area. By that time 2nd Squad had reached the village, was dismounted and prepared to defend.

Reinforcing Tank 1, however, had encountered a small armor group some distance to the east of Yashkul', and refused to withdraw from that area. Commander had little to spare in heavy armor, so instead he ordered Reinforcing Rifle Squad 1, a BTR-60 rifle Squad, to deploy near 2nd Squad in support of 2nd Squad and Tank 3.

By this time, the enemy's operations had apparently ceased, and there were no longer any counterattacks incoming from any direction. Battalion command Staff determined the operation a success, and an order was issued to withdraw.

Suspecting that Reinforcing Tank 1 refused to move because it was damaged, Commander ordered the remaining tanks of the task force to approach Reinforcing Tank 1, and eliminate any enemy threat there. Reinforcing Tank 1 was not damaged, and was mobile, and began to move as soon as the two threats were eliminated by the remaining two tanks.

While returning to base, Command Squad encountered more enemy tracked armor, and with the help of the task force's tanks and Command Squad BMP, eliminated the threats, enabling Command Squad to return to base.

Casualties were moderate. Scout 1 BRDM, Tank 2, and Reinforcing Tank 1 were destroyed. Command Squad lost two.

Field counts of enemy losses included six BMPs, two T-55s, two BTR-80As, two drones, one BRDM, one technical, and one T-34 tank.

Judging by the vehicle damage done to separatist forces, battalion intelligence staff determined that the enemies armored forces they had planned to use in this large-scale maneuver, was smashed, and it would take several weeks for the separatists to recover.