Battle of Arghandab — 1987 (Soviet-Afghan War)
Afghan government forces carry out an operation, supported by Soviet forces to clear Mujahideen forces from the Arghandab District.
The scenario starts off with Mujahideen attacking the control points around Kandahar.
They cause significant damage which results in the Afghanistan government planning a retaliatory offensive on the Mujahideen strongholds in Arghandab District.
They bring elements of the 15th Division, 7th Tank Brigade, 14th Division and 17th Division together with local militia units. They are also supported by the Soviets with the 70th Motorized Rifle Brigade and air support.
The operation starts off with significant artillery fire and air strikes. However, the Mujahideen have stinger missiles which are quite effective, and the Soviets withdraws their helicopters.
When the Afghanistan forces moves forward they find the Mujahideen entrenched in bunkers and find the drainage system in the river valley hard going as they can’t cross the ditches readily with their vehicles and the Mujahideen could defend well in them.
The Afghan morale suffers as a result. This is represented by their overall low factors. Many units also defected to the Mujahideen with their weapons. This is represented by certain units appearing in the north east part of the board from turn 10 onwards. Most of the defected units are stronger than their counter-parts, to reflect their morale.
The operation is a disaster for the Afghan forces who lose 500 killed and wounds and lose 1,200 to defections.