Operation Medusa

Operation Medusa (September 2–17, 2006) was a Canadian-led NATO offensive during the Battle of Panjwaii, in the War in Afghanistan. The operation was launched to counter a major Taliban build-up near Kandahar City, as well as to establish government control in the district of Panjwayi, some 30 kilometres west of the city. It marked the most significant land battle undertaken by NATO, as well as the largest Canadian combat operation since the end of the Korean War. The operation was primarily fought by the 1st Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, including other elements of the International Security Assistance Force such as A Co, 2-4 Infantry BN, 4th BDE and 10th Mtn Division. The operation was supported by the Afghan National Army and a team from the United States Army's 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne), augmented by C Company, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division. Despite taking significant casualties and being removed from their entrenched positions, the Taliban retained their presence in Kandahar Province and continued to target coalition forces with guerrilla warfare. The aftermath of the battle served as a precursor to Operation Falcon Summit, a regional Canadian-led offensive to eliminate remaining insurgents. As a result of Operation Medusa, 12 Canadian soldiers were killed; five during the major combat operations, five in bombings, and two in a mortar/RPG attacks during the reconstruction phase of the operation. Fourteen British military personnel were also killed when their plane crashed after suffering an on-board fire following aerial refuelling. The crash marked the biggest single loss of life suffered by the British military since the Falklands War.