Operation Asbury Park

Operation Asbury Park
Part ofWar in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
An American AH-1 Cobra engaging the Taliban during Operation Asbury Park.
Date June 2, 2004, and June 17, 2004 Location Dai Chopan,Afghanistan Status American-Afghan victory
Belligerents
United States Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Afghan National Army Variousmilitiaforces	Taliban Others(?)
Casualties and losses
5 injured	100 killed 200-300 wounded

Operation Asbury Parkwas a deployment, on June 2, 2004, and June 17, 2004, of Task Force1st Battalion, 6th Marines Battalion Landing Team(1/6 BLT) of the22nd Marine Expeditionary UnitengagedTalibanand other anti-coalitionforces in both Oruzgan Province and Zabul Province culminating in theDai Chopanregion ofAfghanistan.

This operation was characterized by atypical fighting on side of the tactics of the encountered.

DuringAsbury Park,the Taliban and the other guerillas would frequently stand their ground, dig in and engage theMarineforces. This was instead of the more usualhit and runmethod. The U.S. Marines, with the aid ofB-1B Lancer,A-10 Warthog,andAH-64 Apacheaircraft, engaged in "pitched battles each day," culminating in a large battle on June 8.

After the last of the fighting which took place nearDai Chopanon June 8, enemy forces were depleted to such an extent that no further contact was made for the duration of the operation. What was meant by the enemy to be a three pronged attack June 8, 2004 resulted in over eighty-five confirmed kills, with estimates well in excess of 100 enemy dead, an estimated 200-300 wounded, with dozens captured. While throughout the entire operation a "handful" of US forces and Afghan Militia were injured.

Asbury Parkwas followed byOperation Asbury Park II,which included Army personnel from the 25th Infantry Division,Afghan National Armytroops, and attached Marines.

External links

• 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) homepage