Strategy & Tactics #276: Operation Anaconda – Afghanistan 2002 is an intermediate-complexity, grand-tactical wargame designed by Joseph Miranda, simulating the fierce mountain battles between US/Coalition forces and Al Qaeda in eastern Afghanistan during March 2002. The operation aimed to encircle and destroy entrenched enemy forces — and possibly capture or kill Osama bin Laden — in one of the first major engagements of the post-9/11 War on Terror.

• Historical Context: Operation Anaconda was the largest U.S. ground offensive in Afghanistan at the time, combining American, Afghan, and Coalition units in a coordinated effort to eliminate Al Qaeda forces in the Shah-i-Kot Valley. The operation demonstrated both the strengths and weaknesses of modern joint warfare — airpower dominance and elite troops clashing against a highly adaptable guerrilla enemy in unforgiving terrain.
• Gameplay System: The game employs Miranda’s acclaimed “Boots” system, which emphasises command and control as the core mechanic. Each side controls several sub-commands represented by “Command Chits.” These chits are drawn randomly during play, activating units in unpredictable order and forcing players to adapt their plans dynamically — just as real commanders had to respond to chaotic battlefield conditions.
• Asymmetric Warfare Simulation: Operation Anaconda is a two-player wargame pitting the Coalition forces against Al Qaeda insurgents. The Coalition has access to airstrikes, artillery, and intelligence assets, but must contend with unpredictable reinforcements and limited command cohesion. Al Qaeda units are deployed face down to simulate hidden positions, ambushes, and the fog of war. The Coalition player must use ISR (Intelligence–Surveillance–Reconnaissance) operations to detect and engage these concealed threats.
• Combat & Support: Battles are quasi-tactical — units engage at range using small arms, heavy weapons, and indirect fire. The Coalition’s advantage in firepower is offset by terrain, uncertainty, and command delays. Meanwhile, Al Qaeda forces exploit mobility and concealment to ambush, counterattack, and fade back into the mountains.

Game Features & Components:

• Based on the popular Boots command-control system
• Coalition vs. Al Qaeda asymmetric gameplay
• Command Chit activation introduces fog of war and unpredictability
• Air support and ISR systems integrated into tactical play
• Playable in several hours with quick setup and clear turn flow
• Ideal for players interested in modern military operations and post-9/11 warfare

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Platoon
Type: Grand-Tactical Simulation

Other Articles in This Issue:

• Sherman Tank Analysis: A study of the US Army’s most famous tank of World War II.
• Teutoburg Massacre: The ambush that shattered Roman expansion into Germania in 9 AD.
• Cherokee Wars: A detailed look at 18th-century frontier conflicts in North America.

Strategy & Tactics #276: Operation Anaconda – Afghanistan 2002 delivers a gripping simulation of modern asymmetric warfare. With its focus on command chaos, hidden movement, and the uncertain nature of intelligence and airpower, it captures the tension of real-world operations in the mountains of Afghanistan. Perfect for players seeking a modern tactical challenge grounded in recent history.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s premier source for historical wargames, strategy titles, and military simulations for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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