Key Facts
- Date
- March 2002
- U.S. killed
- 7
- U.S. wounded
- 12
- Helicopter landings on summit
- 3
- Also known as
- Battle of Roberts Ridge
Strategic Narrative Overview
U.S. special operations forces attempted to insert onto the summit of Takur Ghar by helicopter on the night of March 3–4, 2002. The first landing immediately came under fire; Navy SEAL Neil C. Roberts fell from the aircraft and was killed. Two subsequent helicopter insertions were also met with intense direct fire from entrenched al-Qaeda fighters. A prolonged close-quarters battle ensued, with U.S. forces fighting uphill against a prepared enemy in extreme cold at high altitude.
01 / The Origins
Following the September 11 attacks, U.S. forces entered Afghanistan to dismantle al-Qaeda and topple the Taliban. By early 2002, Operation Anaconda was launched to clear al-Qaeda fighters concentrated in the Shahi-Kot Valley and Arma Mountains. Takur Ghar, a commanding mountain peak in that region, had been occupied by al-Qaeda forces who used it as a fortified observation and fighting position overlooking coalition movements below.
03 / The Outcome
U.S. forces ultimately seized and secured the summit of Takur Ghar, eliminating the al-Qaeda presence there. The battle cost seven American service members their lives and left 12 wounded, making it the single deadliest engagement of Operation Anaconda. The peak was held thereafter, removing a key enemy observation post, though the broader al-Qaeda network in the region was not fully destroyed. The battle prompted reviews of special operations insertion procedures.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Neil C. Roberts (KIA).
Side B
1 belligerent
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.