Battle of Shewan

The Battle of Shewan was a military engagement between Coalition forces and Taliban insurgents that took place on August 8, 2008, near the village of Shewan in Farah Province, Afghanistan.

On the 8th of August 2008, Golf Company, 2nd platoon, 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, elements from 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, were ambushed by approximately 250-350 Taliban fighters armed with small arms, rocket-propelled grenades (RPG), and 82 mm mortars. After fifteen hours of heavy combat the Marines prevailed, killing the majority of the Taliban and causing those that remained to flee.

Planning

The assault on Shewan had been in the planning for weeks by leaders in 2nd platoon and the reconnaissance unit attached to them. It was delayed on the 6th, and set as a go on the 7th. The Marines departed in early hours of the morning on the 8th in two different sections, the Recon Marines heading down Route 517, and 2nd Platoon around Saffarak Mountain.

The battle

Golf 2 circled around Saffarak Mountain and set up a blocking position from the North, while Recon traveled up Highway 517 directly into Shewan and then dismount and enter the city on foot. Golf 2 set up to the north of the city with the 81 mm mortar team to provide support for Recon, and it served as a QRF. Golf 2 was getting reports by the ANP that there was movement to their north, and many policemen began firing nervously into the trees in front of them. 1st Recon began taking heavy small arms and RPG fire on the outskirts of Shewan from fortified trench lines and bunkers around the city. Their vehicles were targeted by a volley of RPG's, and a Humvee was disabled and caught fire. The crew suffered minor shrapnel wounds and the other Marines quickly returned fire and rushed to help the wounded, retrieving them from the vehicle. 2nd Platoon mounted back up in their trucks and rushed through the country side to aid recon.