Directive 02 - Iraq Deployment
I. Situation
A. Enemy Forces
- Infantry & Motorized:
- Main force consists of a reinforced mechanized infantry battalion with irregular militia support.
- Approximately 100 personnel operating from fortified positions within urban and forested terrain.
- Light vehicles (Hilux, technicals) used for patrols and rapid response.
- Mechanized & Armor:
- EF maintains limited mechanized capability, primarily consisting of armored technicals and APCs.
- EF does not have any fully armored capability in the AO.
Civilian Presence: LOW
IED/Mine Threat: LOW
UAV Threat: MEDIUM
Mortar Threat: MEDIUM
Rotary-Wing Threat: NONE
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: 5th Ranger Regiment – Conducting diversionary operations by engaging ISIS elements to fix and draw enemy forces away from our primary Area of Operations (AO) to facilitate force preservation.
- South: 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment – Monitoring enemy communications and providing electronic warfare support.
- West: None
- East: RAF 617 Squadron - Conducting aerial reconnaissance and close air support operations.
II. Probable Mission and Execution
ION Zeus is to conduct a nighttime raid against Iraqi Government compounds in Kar Shek, in order to eliminate present high-value ISIS leadership and recover the Iraqi Ambassador to the United Kingdom in accordance with contractual obligations. The operation aims to cripple local insurgent command capability and restore limited-state control within the AO, enabling future stabilization and diplomatic recovery efforts.
- Who:
Elements of ION Zeus and attached ISR/EW, FS & LSS support elements. - What:
OBJ ROOK - Conduct a nighttime raid against Iraqi Government compounds in Kar Shek and secure the site.
OBJ CATALYST - Seize and conduct SSE to recover intelligence materials and HVI-associated traces in support of follow-on targeting efforts.
OBJ PAWN - Locate and secure Salih al‑Tamimi, an ambassador, believed to be held in the primary compound marked PC1.
OBJ KNIGHT - Await extraction with PAWN secured. - Where:
Primary AO located near Kar Shek, with end operations point at THA Zulu. - Why:
Assist with removing ISIS influence from the region, and enable follow-on operations to stabilize the area.
ROE Card Alpha
- PID TARGETS MAY BE ENGAGED 0N SIGHT.
- BUILDINGS & COMPOUNDS MAY BE USED AS FIGHTING POSITIONS.
- USE OF EXPLOSIVES TO ENGAGE STRUCTURES IS AUTHORISED.
- FIELDS AND OTHER TERRAIN MAY BE USED TO TRAVEL POINT TO POINT.
- WARNINGS AND CHALLENGES NOT NEEDED FOR ARMED TARGETS.
- WARNING SHOTS AT CIVILIANS WHO DO NOT HEED REPEATED WARNINGS.
- CIVILIANS MAY BE ENGAGED IF THEY CONTINUE TO PROVOKE FRIENDLY FORCES, AS THEY MAY BE FORWARD OBSERVERS ('DICKERS') OR BOMBERS.
- CAS MAY USE FULL ORDNANCE, UP TO 1000 POUNDS IN RURAL AREAS.
III. Map & Intelligence
A. Intelligence Summary
ION Zeus is to conduct a nighttime raid against Iraqi Government compounds in Kar Shek, in order to eliminate present high-value ISIS leadership and recover the Iraqi Ambassador to the United Kingdom in accordance with contractual obligations. EF are expected to be have well cover and concealment in the urban areas, with possible fortified positions around PC1 and PC2. The operation will require coordination with ISR and fire support assets to minimize collateral damage.ION Air Command will provide close air support and ISR capabilities to assist in the operation. 5th Ranger Regiment will be conducting diversionary operations by engaging ISIS elements to fix and draw enemy forces away from our primary Area of Operations (AO) to facilitate force preservation.
EF are expected to be equipped with light vehicles, small arms, and no anti-armor capabilities. The presence of civilian populations is low, but caution is advised. The bulk of the EF are expected to be concentrated in the primary buildings. Leadership is expected to be located in PC1 alongside the Iraqi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Salih al‑Tamimi.
Salih al‑Tamimi
Abdul Al Hassan is the current Iraqi Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Reportedly captured by rogue Iraqi security elements aligned with ISIS following the collapse of central authority in Iraq. Intelligence indicates he is being held at a government facility, subjected to coercive interrogation and propaganda exploitation. His recovery is critical to restoring diplomatic credibility and denying ISIS a strategic information asset.