The Battle of Kamdesh was the deadliest engagement for US forces in Afghanistan since the 2008 Battle of Wanat, resulting in 8 American deaths and two Medal of Honor awards.
Key Facts
- Date
- October 3, 2009
- Americans killed
- 8
- Americans wounded
- 27
- Taliban force size
- 300 fighters
- Taliban casualties
- 150–200 killed or wounded
- Medals of Honor awarded
- 2 (Romesha and Carter)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
COP Keating was a remote outpost in Nuristan Province, considered strategically vulnerable. A withdrawal had been planned under General Stanley McChrystal's policy of consolidating troops in populated areas. Before the withdrawal could be completed, a Taliban force of approximately 300 fighters identified the outpost as a high-value target and organized a coordinated assault.
On October 3, 2009, Taliban fighters launched a simultaneous assault on COP Keating and Observation Post Fritsche in Nuristan Province, eastern Afghanistan. The attack partially overran COP Keating, killing 8 Americans and wounding 27. American aviation support helped repel the attackers, who suffered 150–200 casualties. Coalition forces ultimately held the base but at severe cost.
COP Keating was abandoned shortly after the battle, with the withdrawal accelerated by the attack. Stored ammunition left behind was looted by insurgents and subsequently bombed by US aircraft. Four officers were disciplined for inadequate support of the base, eight aviators received the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Staff Sergeants Clinton Romesha and Ty Carter were each awarded the Medal of Honor.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Stanley McChrystal.
Side B
1 belligerent