Op MAKARA 1: The Long Range Reconnaissance Group (LRRG) deployed on Op MAKARA 1 to the Ansongo Circle to understand the human terrain of Tin Hama, a town 25km SE of Ansongo assessed to be heavily under ISGS influence in the region. The Op proved to be extremely challenging from an ES perspective as it would see the TG cover around 200km cross country, and also some significant distances over metal roads. The 90km road move to Ansongo Camp proved to be difficult; the FOXHOUND platforms struggled with the heat and the SV fleet experience brake issues; again, due to overheating brake drums. The first night of the Op, saw the REME Force Elements (FE) repair several vehicles for the following day which would see the TG cover 40km of cross country driving towards Tin Hama. Day 2 proved to be extremely difficult, a MASTIFF suspension failure and a FOXHOUND electrical problem resulted in the TG Leaguering up 1km from the Main Supply Route (MSR) to conduct repairs. Day 3 and beyond proved to be a lot more successful, with less vehicle issues and all TG drivers quickly becoming more familiar with the terrain, the ES burden lessened. The end state would see an average availability of 95% throughout the Op and a host of lessons learnt for the LAD to build on. Op MAKARA 2 and 2.5: Op MAKARA 2 and 2.5 continued the Mobile Task Force (MTF) objective of increasing stability in the Ansongo Circle, deploying the LRRG up to 200km South of Gao to the Niger border. The patrols aimed to deliver human terrain reconnaissance and security of the population along Rte Cat-C. The operations integrated Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) civil pillar field missions into patrols to visit projects and identify future activities, a first for the MTF. At last light on the eve of the MAKARA 2 patrol, it was assessed that groups totalling over 50 Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) fighters on motorcycles from Niger carried out a marauding attack in the villages of Ouatagouna, Karou and Daounteguef. 57 civilians were killed, including a number of children. LRRG tactical activity rapidly refocused as a response to the attack. In response, the LRRG increased the tempo of our deployment, arriving 24 hours early to a Force Administration Area (FAA) in proximity to the incident, coordinating sensory and aviation over watch. The ES challenges faced during Op MAKARA 2 and 2B were significant, due to the distances being covered and the harsh terrain, Fitter Sections would work tirelessly to ensure the TG maintained momentum. The issues faced during these operations largely focused around FOXHOUND (FHD) hydraulic leaks and overheating; High Mobility Tactical Vehicle (HMTV) suspension and wider wheel station issues; and SV braking and air pressure issues. The deployed Fitter Sections quickly became subject matter experts on all of the above repairs and the experience gained would prove invaluable on the TGs final Op. Op MAKARA 3: The last Op for ROTO 2, the LRRG deployed on Op MAKARA 3, this was the culmination of MAKARA Ops and a proof of concept of the MTF’s ability to project further than Route CAT (MSR). This saw the Swedish Forces (SWE MIC-R) patrolling to In-Delimane (and resupplied by Jordanian QRF) and the LRRG conducting a 480km march to Menaka and patrols to demonstrate MINUSMA’s ability to project force and to understand the security situation in the area. During the Op, the LRRG came under contact from small arms fire after following two armed men on motorcycle into an area of bushland. This resulted in a close-range dismounted extraction from contact
Repairs being conducted in a TG League
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