Great Britain | Operation Anvil

[Jamie]

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Operation Anvil Private & Encrypted​

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Deployment List​

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TASK FORCE 23 COMPOSITION: [60] 21 Special Air Service Regiment [A Squadron] [40] Land Rover Wolf WMIK [20] Grizzly 450 Quad Bike [50] 657 Squadron, Special Forces Aviation [2] Boeing MH-47D Chinooks [4] Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawks ADDITIONAL UNITS: [300] No. 1 Squadron, RAF Regiment [A, B & C Company] [28] No. 3 Squadron, C Flight [4] Tornado GR-4 [34] No. 2 Squadron, A Flight [1] A330 MRTT (does not include those on ferry routes)

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Operation Staging Areas​

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Designation	Location	Status
Main Operating Base Shahid	Shahid Babael Air Station	Active

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Operations​

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Operation	Location	Objective(s)	Status
Operation Anvil I	Iran	UKSF Target of Al-Mutahida Militants	In Planning
Operation Anvil II	Iran	RAF Airstrikes on Al-Mutahida Targets	In Planning

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Preparations have begun or Operation Anvil and the information surrounding a British Deployment was currently private; although rumours spurred of a British Deployment to counter terrorism but details were blurred. Those involved were informed of the mission through briefings, and their families aware of an impending combat deployment. In the meantime, Special Forces Personnel went through their own mission specifications; their goal? Locate and Eliminate the Al-Mutahida movement in support of the Iranian Regime. Whilst the RAF Tornado Crews were to be focusing on air strikes and intelligence gathering. The Advisory unit for training the Iranian Soldiers was due to be decided. Date for this deployment was on the 15th December (17th November)

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[Jamie]

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Beginning Deployment
The Ministry of Defence has authorized the commencing of Operation Anvil, a British Operation in support of the current Iranian Regime to locate, eliminate and prevent the Al-Mutahida Extremists. The group responsible for the bombings in London only a few months ago. Initial Operations were to consist of Special Forces working on the ground with the Iranian Armed Forces to cut off the heads of this terrorist group in the hope of a swift victory. Whilst, in the air, the Royal Air Force was to provide intelligence-gathering missions but also support British and Iranian Forces who were on the ground with Close Air Support.

With the deployment date arrived, the A330 MRTT from No. 1 Squadron, which was to be stationed in Iran for supporting the Air Support, was to ferry Special Forces Personnel as well as the RAF Support Personnel to Main Operating Base Shahid. Meanwhile, C-17's and C-130's were to do a few runs for the next few days; transporting ammunition, Land-rovers, Quad Bikes, Chinooks and the Blackhawks that would support Task Force 23, the Special Forces Designation for their involvement in the conflict on Al-Mutahida. Prior to the initial aircraft departing the UK, a memo would be sent to the Iranian Ministry of Defence informing them of the expected and imminent arrival of British Assets. Ensuring permission was given to land. Due to security risks, and the need for re-supply, aircraft moving into Iran were able to stop at Cyprus to resupply/refuel if required; or if permission was denied; or if there was a threat to the aircraft.

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[Jamie]

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Preparing the Base
The past few days had resulted in the delivery of troops, equipment and supplies to the main operating base in Iran, known as Main Operating Base Shahid which was utilising the Shahid Babael Air Station. A supplement to the international airport for the region. Initial arrivals consisted of the Special Forces Group, designated Task Force 23 to ensure security arrangements were in place for any other arrivals. Working closely with the Iranian Protection Details of that particular air base. The 60 SAS Operators had begun utilising the Grizzly 450 Quad Bikes and Landrover WMIKs to patrol the grounds. A temporary role until a RAF Regiment unit is deployed. Supporting this was consistent patrol from the Special Forces Aviation, an armed UH-60A Blackhawk airborne twenty-four seven.. another temporary occasion to ensure the protection of the airbase.

The Tornado Flight had also arrived at the base, setting up in provided hangers, ground crews preparing the aircraft, running through briefings. For the moment, the UKSF complement were focusing on airbase security with the Iranian Armed Forces until the RAF Regiment arrived. From the UK, a A330 MRTT containing A, B and C Company from No. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment had set off for Iran. These will be the companies keeping the airbase protected.

Operations Room
A Facility had been set up by the Iranian Government for a joint UK-Iranian command center to discuss the efforts of those involved. British Commander, Major Johnson, had attended to discuss current affairs. After an hours discussion, a decision was made to take the Shahid Airport out of service due to the conflict of interest it could provide. Rerouting any air traffic to other airports in the region. This decision was a welcome one and gave the British Task Force more breathing room, and deployment capability. The presence of the British Task Group and it been the main operating base for the conflict against Al-Mutahida made it a valuable target. The Iranian Government moving more fores to Isfahan and the surrounding areas. Fortifying the area around the main operating base.

A map had also been released, highlighting the current situation in Iran:

January 2013
Blue: Allied Territory / Fortified Facility
Green: Fully controlled by GOvernment
Yellow: Government Controlled but Al-Mutahida threat present
Orange: Heavily Influenced by Al-Mutahida
Red: Al-Mutahida Territory, no government presence​

Al-Mutahida Advances
The Al-Mutahida Regime has become a popular group within the eastern parts of Iran, the local population offering them support and a safe haven since the failures of the past Iranian Regime; the attack on European Countries brought conflict to Iran and this wasn't something Al-Mutahida was letting rest. Their attack on London showed as much, and this was the beginning. The group had a large amount of territory, strongholds in Eastern Iran which allowed them to plan attacks internationally. However, this time, it had been closer to home. Reports had been released of an increased presence near Doroh. The border between a heavily influenced Al-Mutahida area, and a government-controlled region. This is something that had never been a problem before but indications of the group attempting to make advancements into Government Territory was becoming more of a worry.

A push for control had already commenced in Semnan. Semnan is on the border of actual Al-Mutahida territory, and is heavily influenced by the group but, in the early hours, 56 fighters from the group had entered the city and begun to muster support from local supporters to overthrow anyone that did not welcome them. It was a swift and quick effort to expand their territory gains. One particular worry was this particular town surrounded Route 44. A direct route into Tehran which, at this point, is government controlled with reported attacks months apart. This could only get worse with an expanding group such as the Al-Mutahida. In response, the Iranian Government had in fact arranged for two additional regiments from their army to be stationed in Tehran but it was becoming evident that their opponent was growing in support, at rapid rates.

Operation Anvil I
The Special Forces present for Operation Anvil weren't just base security. The arrival of the RAF Regiment was expected tomorrow and from then, the Operators from the Special Air Service were to live up to their mandate. Iranian Intelligence had located a compound on the outskirts of Chupanan, a small town in a heavily influenced area. Intelligence reports that a leading member of the group is held up in the compound with a security detail, Saabir al-Alli, a 34 year old that has been responsible for the large, unexpected build up of support for Al-Mutahida. The Intelligence Service had begun putting a profile together before delivering it to the Iranian/British Command Center. The British Commander, with support of the Iranian Leadership had received authorisation to deploy a mission to locate and capture the hostile. The capture of Saabir would provide an opportunity to interrogate him for information regarding the group; there was a lack of information regarding how they operate and he may be able to assist. The mission was given the green light to go ahead once the RAF Regiment receive control of the base security.

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[Jamie]

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Operation Anvil I
With the RAF Regiment at the base and capable of beginning their own mission, Alpha 1 and Alpha 2, individual troops from the 21st Special Air Service Regiment; a total of twenty operators, had begun their briefing to take down Ajax, the code name for the target provided by Iranian Intelligence as the man really called Saabir al-Alli. The briefing offered the operators the space to use intelligence received of the compound to figure out their plan of attack. After some discussion where all those involved could weigh in, the best option provided for a quick take down would be by air. Taking into consideration the high amount of influence in the area, it was too risky to be grounded and air transport can provide immediate evacuation of the target once captured. With that in mind, two UH-60A Blackhawks had been assigned to the mission from Special Forces Aviation.

10 Operators in each which would allow a swift entry into the area, eliminate the threat with the intent of capturing Saabir al-Alli and then to vacate; all under the dead of night with the capability for fast air if required. A single Tornado was to be armed and airborne, fully fuelled and supplied with it's × 27 mm (1.06 in) Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon, 4 500lb Paveway IVs and two drop tanks. The aircraft was to be airborne and maintaining 30,000ft unless called in. Returning to the base for refuel if necessary even though that was unlikely. For the next several hours, preparations took place to arm and fuel aircraft involved, the operators to get rest and prepare their own equipment ranging from their UCIWs, flashbang grenades and basic essentials. Night vision goggles to be worn, and all of them ready for a fight.

01:00 Local Time
In the Main Operating Base, the rotors from the Blackhawks had begun to spark into life with all twenty operators split between the two helicopters, the roar of the Tornado in the background, departing from the airstrip and making for its patrol route. Within moments of receiving clearance from air traffic control, both aircraft were airborne and making for its destination, keeping enough space between to be safe and door gunners remaining vigilant at an altitude of 6,000ft until closer to the destination. The journey felt forever, 10 combat-ready men in each aircraft, eager to exit and carry out their mission. It wasn't that long until it got there, however. Altitudes on the air-frames begun to drop rapidly with the pilot confirming "2 mikes out. Standby" through the communication devices on-board. Weapons locked and loaded. Suddenly the two UH-60As pulled back, one at each side of the compound. The sheer notice alerting the enemy, possibly a flawed tactic? The key of the quick strike was surprise, but specifically, to stop their target have a chance of escaping. The doors open on both choppers, and the men piling out and keeping well out of each others line of fire.

Hostile gunners begun emerging over the compound, all of which were easily taken down by Special Forces who made sure to get explosives on the doors and get into the compound as if a blitzkrieg. Taken by surprise, the enemy, unprepared, confused and then blinded by flash bangs, getting identified by the quick-reacting force before eliminated. Room by room within the compound the two troops navigated from each side. Troop Commanders informing command of each stage they reach within the mission and the Tornado actively remaining ready to support if required; the intelligence-gathering equipment on the RAF Tornados offered an eyes-on for the aircrew and operations room. Cameras viewing the rapid entry on the compound from above. It had only been about 7 minutes since the Blackhawks had landed before the SAS Operators were leaving with the target, alive, head bagged and boarding the Blackhawks. A confirmed kill of 13 militants and one capture before the Blackhawks departed back for base along with the Tornado which had begun to turn back. The first combat operation.. it was a good start but that could change.

Operation Anvil III
The RAF Regiment, No. 1 Squadron which for this deployment was compiled of three companies which matched three-hundred trained soldiers had been assigned to Anvil III; a mission designed for the protection of the Main Operating Base in Shahid. This responsibility is one that is vital to ensuring the safe passage of British Assets into Iran; with any compromises of the base, operations could potentially cease and the mission eventually considered a failure. At all times, a company of 100 soldiers were to be on patrol around the defences of the base. From manning the entry point gates, patrolling the fence lines and supporting the Iranian Defences. This was to be a twenty-four seven security detail with the companies of the regiment swapping in 'shifts'. Regular tests took place for the security of the defence which was monitored by the British and Iranian base commanders. During any arriving or departing flights, security on the fence lines increased to ensure no close contacts with the aircraft.

Fighting in Doroh
The increased Al-Mutahida presence in Doroh had previously raised concern from the Iranian Government in the last couple of days. The town, held by Government Police Services and reinforced with army units had noticed a build up of fighting-aged males on the borders. Today? That changed. In the distance, a few shots echoed through the street, those few alone sent sheer panic to those in the town, and the supporters? took arm themselves ready to fight for the cause. The response from the Iranian Government was swift with Armoured Personnel Carriers delivering troops to fight back against the attacking force. In the distance, converted Toyota 4v4s had been loaded with machine guns on the area, hailing fire onto the Iranian Firing positions.
"دورو تحت محاصره! درخواست پشتیبانی هوایی" _{(Doroh under siege! Requesting air support!)} was one of many calls of support requested. Combat ready, the Royal Air Force responded. Two Tornado's based at the Main Operating Base had begun to depart, their armament consists of:

• 1× 27 mm (1.06 in) Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon
• 5× 500 lb Paveway IV
• 2x Brimstone Missiles

This complement was the same for both Tornados which had exited the base in formation. Making for the town of Doroh to support the local governments efforts to hold it and rappel the attack.. sooner rather than later.

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[Jamie]

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Operation Anvil I
The UK Special Forces Blackhawks had eventually arrived back at the main operating base, their target, Saabir al-Alli was now at the hands of the Iranian Intelligence Service for interrogation. Their goal? To find out what they can about anything and everything related to the Al-Mutahida. From outposts, to plans, to chain of command. That was.. if he was compliant and valued his life. However, for the British Operators, it was a mission success. Their first response to the group that caused hundreds of deaths on British soil. Whilst Special Forces prepare for their next missions and work on intelligence, the UKSF Blackhawks and MH-47D Chinook Helicopters had been assigned to support transport, logistics and medical evacuations for Iranian Forces in combat.

Fighting in Doroh
Fighting in Doroh had become a rough zone, for days infighting had been tearing the town apart with reinforcements from the Iranian Regime, and Al-Mutahida, arriving regularly. The Tornados had been doing back to back runs of providing air support in the combat zone, their brimstone and Paveway IV missiles leading to supporting the government forces on the ground. The Tornado's kept armed and refuelled, utilising all ammunition before returning to base to refuel but the A330 MRTT remained accessible in that region, patrolling and ready to provide air to air refuelling; whilst keeping at a high altitude to keep protected.

The Government in crisis
The war surrounding Iran had caused serious unrest in the political arena. Members of the regime, some had become sympathetic to their opponent, others, acknowledged the serious decline in their army. The regime, daily, losing more soldiers than they were gaining. This posed a serious threat to the stability and control that the regime were already struggling to maintain. With this in mind, the government had called a meeting with the British Ambassador to Iran to discuss a more involved British Presence.

Control Room
The control room at the Al-Shahid Airbase was a combined effort between British and Iranian coordinators. Been the receiving end for any air support requests across the entire country, day and night, Tornado crews were ready and responding to air support requests. Their schedule becoming increasing packed as more firefights emerged cross-country.

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[Jamie]

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Operation Anvil I
Over the past few weeks, Special Forces had separated into teams to support the Iranian Regimes struggle against Al-Mutahida, utilising their own military assets, in cooperation with the RAF and Special Forces Aviation to ensure that Al-Mutahida were unable to gain more ground. Equipped in Iranian Regime attire to avoid becoming major targets for their opposing force, Grizzly 450 Quad Bikes and LandRover Wolf WMIKs had begun to be transported to isolated areas where militants had been known to take often, SAS Units were to be there to intercept; the road between Birjand and Sarbiseh in Al-Mutahida territory with the intent to cause interference as they moved to join the battle of Doroh which had gone on for some time. The journey would be via road, fully supplied and getting supplies from government checkpoints along the way. Once at their destination, they'd be setting up a camp in an isolated area to patrol from. Involved in this movement included:
x6 Grizzly 450 Quad Bikes
x5 Landrover Wolf WMIK
x30 SAS Operators, A Squadron

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Fighting in Doroh
Doroh had become a drawn out battle, RAF Tornados regularly involved overhead, carrying out intelligence gathering to delivering close air support for the Iranian Ground Units. At this point it was the main border between Al-Mutahida Influence and what has become known as the 'safe zone', the area under full government control. Requests from ground commanders saw an influx in air support, and demands for extra resources which had been spread as it was. This conflict had become the focus point for the Royal Air Force assets, the A330 MRTT spending more time in that part of the country to refuel the aircraft as needed whilst the government scrambles to send support. Daily meetings took place between the Tornado Squadron present, constantly having pilot change shifts whilst the opposite ran 6-8 hour missions against the terrorist group.

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A Government in Crisis
The request made by the Iranian Government to discuss with the British Ambassador took some time to approve due to the risks, but ultimately received the stamp of approval. Arrangements are in place for the British Ambassador to meet with the heads of the Iranian Regime in Tehran to discuss the conflict in country, and Britain's own involvement. Offering protection, the outstanding 30 personnel from the SAS Force in country was relocating via MH-47D to the Tehran airbase. In overt attire, weapons in view, they were to escort the ambassador to the government building, hold sentry before returning. The meeting has been confirmed as tomorrow.

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[Jamie]

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Operations in Iran had since slowed down since the arrival of the new Iranian Government, British Involvement fading out with forces becoming idle and pending further news. After evaluation, the Ministry of Defence has suspended operations within Iran due to lack of word from the current Iranian Government but vowing support against any further terrorism in the country. With the end of Operation Anvil in mind, the complement of RAF Assets and British Special Forces had received the clearance to return back to the UK. C-130's were brought in, using the base on Cyprus as a stepping stone to return troops and equipment back to the UK with support of A330 MRTTs. Of course, all this was done following Iranian Air Traffic Control to give British Forces a safe return back home with their loved ones.

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