Directive 01 - Iraq Deployment
I. Situation
A. Enemy Forces
- Infantry & Motorized:
- Main force consists of a reinforced mechanized infantry battalion with irregular militia support.
- Approximately 150 personnel operating from fortified positions within urban and forested terrain.
- Light vehicles (Hilux, technicals) used for patrols and rapid response.
- Mechanized & Armor:
- Enemy maintains limited armored capability.
- Armor is dispersed across urban strongpoints and used for mobile defense.
Civilian Presence: LOW
IED/Mine Threat: MEDIUM
UAV Threat: MEDIUM
Rotary-Wing Threat: LOW
Fixed-Wing Threat: NONE
B. Friendly Forces
- Their Mission & Intent:
Conducting destroy-ISIS operations under CENTCOM Command as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. - Identified Friendly Forces in AO:
- North-East: 5th Ranger Regiment – Conducting reconnaissance and interdiction across key roadways to prevent enemy retreat.
- South: 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment – INTENT REDACTED.
- West: 13th Field Artillery Regiment – Providing fire support to NATO deployment and establishing blocking positions to prevent enemy breakout.
- East: RAF 617 Squadron - Conducting aerial reconnaissance and close air support operations.
II. Probable Mission and Execution
ION Zeus, is to conduct a direct action operation against multiple objectives in the vicinity of FOB Zafra, in order to eliminate high-value ISIS leadership and degrade regional insurgent command capability. The mission is intended to deny ISIS freedom of maneuver in the AO and enable follow-on stabilization missions in the northern corridor.
- Who:
Elements of ION Zeus and attached ISR/EW, FS & LSS support elements. - What:
OBJ BISHOP - Conduct a direct action raid on known ISIS stronghold and seize control of the objective.
OBJ KING - Locate and capture Abdul Al Hassan, a high-value ISIS commander, believed to be coordinating operations from the town.
OBJ QUEEN - Convoy and displace to Outpost Echo with KING secured and in escort custody. - Where:
Primary AO located near FOB Zafra, with end operations point at Outpost Echo. - Why:
Assist with removing ISIS influence from the region, and enable follow-on operations to stabilize the area.
ROE Card Bravo
- AUTHORISED TO ENGAGE PID TARGETS.
- BUILDINGS SUSPECTED OF HAVING INSURGENTS MAY BE ENTERED.
- LIMITED MOVEMENT THROUGH FIELDS, STICK TO ROADS.
- ELEMENTS CAN MOVE OFF-ROAD WHEN IN CONTACT.
- DESTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS IS AUTHORISED ONLY WHEN ASSAULT IS TOO COSTLY AND ONLY WHEN THE ABOVE CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN MET.
- WARNING SHOTS AND CHALLENGES ARE NECESSARY PRIOR TO ENGAGEMENT.
- CAS IS LIMITED TO ROCKETS & GUNS IN RURAL AREAS.
III. Map & Intelligence
A. Intelligence Summary
ION Zeus, is to conduct a direct action operation against multiple objectives in the vicinity of FOB Zafra, capture Abdul Al Hassan and hand him over to USSF at Outpost Echo.Enemy forces are expected to be well entrenched in the urban areas, with fortified positions and potential IED threats along main routes. The operation will require coordination with ISR and fire support assets to minimize collateral damage.13th Field Artillery Regiment is tasked to deliver preparatory and on-call indirect fire missions in support of the assault. Fires will commence upon friendly forces crossing Phaseline ROMULUS, and will be lifted upon crossing Phaseline TIBERIUS to prevent risk of fratricide.
ION Air Command will provide close air support and ISR capabilities to assist in the operation. 5th Ranger Regiment will conduct reconnaissance and interdiction operations to secure key roadways and prevent enemy reinforcements.
Enemy forces are expected to be equipped with light vehicles, small arms, and limited anti-armor capabilities. The presence of civilian populations is low, but caution is advised. The bulk of the enemy forces are expected to be concentrated in the urban areas which will be targeted by the artillery fire. Leadership is expected to be located in fortified positions within the town.
Abdul Al Hassan
Abdul Al Hassan is the military commander for ISIS's West Kunduz Cell.
He is known to be brutal, having hung a school teacher in front of their classroom because the school educated girls. Hassan has extensive experience fighting the Taliban as an ISIS Commander, he was only assigned to the West Kunduz Cell towards the beginning of 2023.
Hassan's whereabouts are known to us. As of July 2025, Hassan and a large cell of militants have been occupying a stronghold in the Khel Ka. He is believed to have masterminded most - if not all - attacks by ISIS against Bashur Province