::TS:SCI::NOTICE OF DEPLOYMENT::TS:SCI:: - September 12th, 2020

Capt Hart · August 2, 2022

//SECRET//JSOC//MARSOC

From: [email protected] <Clark Williams>

To: [email protected] <Mark Stanton>, [email protected] <Sean Whelan>, [email protected] <Jim Teival>

Subject: Notice of Deployment

All Commands and Attachments are hereby notified that Alpha Company, 3d MRB; Alpha Section, 160th SOAR; and Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 1st SFG, and all supporting detachments are to prepare for immediate deployment to the country of Mali in support of ongoing operations by coalition forces in the region. All commands are to ensure OPSEC through rank and file. Deployment for all commands is required no later than September 16th, and operations shall begin no later than September 19th.

Briefing as follows.

Elements of Boko Haram, having been substantially diminished within Burkina Faso due to the efforts of Task Force Cobra, have taken advantage of a military mutiny within the neighboring state of Mali and seized control of the city of Kidal. Current intel suggests they have brought with them the remnants of their chemical weapon stockpile, consisting of choking agents.

Civilian presence in the city is high, but many are trying to flee the city using vehicles or on foot where parts of the city have become gridlocked. To further complicate matters, Boko Haram has set up checkpoints and IEDs throughout in an attempt to keep as many civilians locked within the city as possible.

French forces maintain a presence in the country but with the mutiny of the Malian military, they have their hands full trying to keep security on their bases and attempting to regroup and reestablish order where possible. The Pentagon has determined that this situation will become extremely counterproductive to U.S. interests if it is allowed to continue. US forces will be operating out of the French-controlled FOB Boiteux on the south side of Kidal.

Given the previous direct action experience with these particular cells and tactics of Boko Haram, Alpha Company, 3d MRB will immediately deploy to conduct operations against Boko Haram in Kidal, to be referred to as AO Serval, and open a path for French or Local forces to effectively retake the city. Support will be provided through Alpha Section, 160th SOAR, and Alpha Company, 4th Battalion, 1st SFG. Phantom teams are otherwise occupied at this time.

Signed,
Lieutenant Colonel C. Williams
Commanding
Joint Special Task Force Cobra

ATTACHMENTS

mali.jpg