Op Toxon 01 - 2026/05/02

Situation

Recent intelligence indicates that Mushorah Airbase was rapidly seized by IRGC-backed militia elements following its abandonment. While the initial occupation appears opportunistic, the militia have since begun consolidating their presence. Activity is uneven across the site, with the northern sector showing significantly higher militia density, suggesting a deliberate effort to establish a defensive posture against any approach from that axis. This aligns with observed patterns of militia expansion, pushing outward from the airfield to secure depth and early warning positions, while maintaining supply lines running south and east into more permissive territory.

The airfield itself was not fully cleared prior to abandonment. Intelligence suggests that Iraqi military equipment and supplies remain on site, though much of it is currently degraded, unserviceable, or lacking munitions. Militia elements are assessed to have the means to repair, rearm, or repurpose remaining equipment; however, whether this process is already complete or still ongoing remains unknown.

To the south-west, mortar teams were previously established near the town of Ayn Al Faras, placing the airfield within indirect fire range. These elements have since displaced or gone to ground, but remain a credible threat if not actively contested or cleared. Their prior presence indicates at least a basic level of coordination and fire support capability within militia elements in the area, potentially supported by access to radio equipment for coordinating fires.

Access into the area of operations will be conducted via the Faysh Khabur border crossing, currently held open by the Syrian Border Security Force (SBSF). While they are permitting transit, it is assessed with high confidence that movement through the crossing is being observed and reported, either through compromised personnel, coercion, or infiltration. This presents both a risk and an opportunity. Planned movements will deliberately exploit this exposure, drawing militia attention northward, away from the southern approaches to the airfield. This is intended to create a window for 40 Commando to manoeuvre along a less defended axis and exploit reduced enemy presence to gain the initiative.

Overall, the battlespace remains fragmented, with militia forces varying in capability but benefiting from local knowledge, mobility, and irregular defensive layouts. Their posture is shifting toward deliberate defence, with emerging hardened positions that can be isolated and exploited due to limited experience and training in this domain.

Acknowledgements

• Expect irregular, non-linear contact with ambushes and sudden engagements rather than defined frontlines.
• Local security forces and authorities may be compromised or report our presence, limiting operational secrecy.
• Civilian presence is dense in and around towns, increasing the likelihood of militia blending into populated areas.
• Civilian sentiment may vary by area and/or city, with some populations tolerant or hostile to our presence.

Commanders intent

Seize and secure Mushorah Airbase in order to establish a firm operational foothold in the region, enabling follow-on operations and facilitating the identification and recovery of equipment linked to the missing convoy.

Tasking(s)

Map - Overview

Plan Ops - Preview | Viewer (Read only)

40 Commando

• [OBJ Lockstep Charlie] Insert, locate, and clear suspected mortar positions threatening the airfield.  
  [OBJ Lockstep Alpha] Assault and secure the airfield, preserving key infrastructure to enable its use as a staging point for follow-on operations.

47 Commando

• [OBJ Lockstep Bravo] Clear and disrupt enemy defensive positions and encampments surrounding the airfield.  
  [OBJ Lockstep Alpha] Support 40 Commando in the clearance and consolidation of the airfield.  

1st Battalion, Mercian Regiment & A Squadron, King's Royal Hussars

• [OBJ Lockstep Bravo] Assault and neutralise outer defensive lines to isolate the airfield.  
  [OBJ Lockstep Alpha] Provide support by fire and manoeuvre to assist in securing the airfield.  
  [OBJ Anchor] Conduct clearance patrols to secure the airfield outskirts and prevent enemy re-infiltration.  

Joint Aviation Command

• [OBJ Lockstep Charlie] Provide transport and infill to 40 Commando 

Markings