So I figured what the hell break down the video and see what the rest think.
ISR Collection:
The initial video shows clear HD video of the entirety of the camp, to include prepared fighting positions, forward check point, and camp personnel to include their human patterns. The surveillance team was able to get a clear vantage point to video the whole camp and gather appropriate Intel on the camp. This shows a very lacking defense plan and counter surveillance system to deterring and or capturing the opposing assault force. A few notes:
· The fighting positions appear to be based around building placements and not interlocking fields of fire.
· The video showed camp security not manning the prepared fighting positions.
· Weapons postures were low, with slung weapons (a few not carrying their weapons) and individuals moving about the camp away from their fighting/security positions.
· The observation point/check point (i.e. their early warning position) closest to the road approaching the camp was unmanned during the surveillance video and the assault video.
Rehearsals & Prep:
Based on the decision that the assault force decided to use one vehicle, I am guessing the camp had a regular visitation by a similar truck (more to follow later). Also based on the layout of the rehearsal area, it appears the initial plan may have been to drive the single vehicle directly into the middle of the camp. However, on the assault it is unclear if they in fact did so or stopped short. The rehearsal video clearly shows, each individual of the assault force having a predetermined area of responsibility. This leads me to believe that they not only had the surveillance video, but also likely had HUMINT on what vehicle would not raise suspicion during the approach and what areas and or buildings were of high priority.
Approach:
The assault vehicle did not approach at a high rate of speed; it approached during broad day light, and such a manner as to not raise alarm to the camp. Note the cut in half plastic water barrels in the back of the vehicle being used to shield the fighters. Obviously these would not offer any small arms protections, thus I imagine they had predetermined that similar vehicle carrying water or other resources in similar barrels, approached the camp on a regular bases. This would tie into the intelligence collection and rehearsals, and again appears to show some HUMINT on the camp. Also note the OP/CP closest to the road (the early warning position) was not manned during the approach.
Targeting & Assault:
It was clear the assault force’s main objective was to kill everyone within the camp, but some of the things noticed were the immediate attack on individuals walking about the camp (possibly the camps meet & greet team), as well as the immediate targeting of the camps only vehicle. Following they moved to their assault positions, assaulting buildings and fighting positions, and than following up with individuals who were fleeing the camp. During the video, only one camp defender is seen killed in a fighting positions, suggesting either lack of ability to get to their fighting positions or lack of will to remain in their fighting positions while under attack (note the two individuals gunned down as they attempted to flee the camp). The use of hand grenades prior to assaulting buildings suggest the assault force had no intention of taking any prisoners.
First-aid & MEDEVAC:
Not only is it clear that the assault force was well prepared to assess and treat trauma, but also well prepared and rehearsed in the evacuation of their wounded. Note the collapsible stretcher, and immediate administration of wound dressing and IV therapy. Suggesting the assault force had medical training or emergency medical personnel on hand. Also suggest extensive planning and execution experience to prepare and rehearse for medical emergencies.
Intelligence & Equipment Exploitations:
In the initial video, they showed a captured Yemen Military Officer uniform, Military ID’s, cell phones, and countless weapons, ammunition and military related equipment.
Conclusion:
Starting with camp security; the lack of security personnel within their positions, coupled with the positions being close together, showed a lacking in leadership and tactical planning by the camp commander. The lack of area deny and disrupt patrols, allowed a recce team to develop quality HD video surveillance of the entire camp, its security positions and overall security posture. The lack of overhead cover to protect from the sun/heat at the OP/CP probably contributed to the position being unmanned. This effectively removed the camps early warning, and allowed the assault force to penetrate deep into the camp. The fact that there were prepared fighting positions shows that they were if not expecting an attack, were attempting to be prepared if one took place. The lack of discipline in manning those position clearly contributed to the success of the assault force. Furthermore, the lack of coordination between the camp security, the lack of discipline to man their positions, and lack in use of breaking contact tactics, largely leads me to believe the camp was manned by an under trained, ill prepared and non-disciplined security force, that clearly resulted in the annihilation of the entire camp.
Now the assault force, these guys knew what they were doing. They had rock solid ISR, they had mocked up the camp, rehearsed and assaulted damn near flawlessly. Their ability to shoot and manipulate their weapons while on the move shows a high range of proficiency. Their ability to stay within their lanes of fire and assault key positions, without stopping shows a high level of experience and combat seasoning. Their planning in using one assault vehicle shows a high level of trust in their own abilities and confidence within their planning and prep work. The medical care and MEDEVAC capabilities show experiencing in planning, preparation and good leadership. During the rehearsals it’s clear that one individual is giving instruction while the rest are “eyes on” paying attention, this shows highly skilled instructor/leader.
In closing, I will not say this AQ unit is a top level assault force; it’s obvious to me that there are many contributing factors to the overall success of the assault force. However, I do believe it is highly important to study videos like these, and break down what went wrong, what went right and use it as a training tool and eye opening reality check for any personnel who may end up having to fight with well trained fighters like these. This video should be shown to every service member who is pulling force protection CONUS & OCONUS.
Some screen shots of the video:
