Operation Seemorgh: the Largest Afghan-Led Operation in 30 years HD

On July 23rd, 2013, the Afghan Air Force (AAF) and Afghan National Army (ANA) began the largest Afghan-led, joint combined operation in at least 30 years. Operation Seemorgh was a security and clearing operation that employed eight Mi-17s, two Mi-35s, and multiple Cessna 208s with all-Afghan crews to provide non-traditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, troop infiltration, resupply, aerial escort, and casualty evacuation. Though influenced and guided by advisors, Operation Seemorgh marked a significant milestone in the development of Afghan combined arms employment. As the Coalition begins drawing down combat forces, greater ANA dependence upon AAF resources and improved integration of air and ground assets will be crucial for providing Afghan National Security Forces with an asymmetrical advantage over the enemies of Afghanistan. Produced by Staff Sgt. Roidan Carlson.