Op Toxon 05 - 2026/05/30

Situation

Following the detention of Nadir Barzani and exploitation of material recovered from his Gerbalat safehouse, intelligence now points to a usable tunnel section running between Misharah and Abu Wajnam. The eastern access is believed to remain concealed near powerlines and has been connected to local power, likely supporting lighting, ventilation, battery charging, and light tools. Darwish’s personnel are assessed to have taken control of the eastern tunnel section after civilian workers completed construction, with workers ordered not to return without escort.

The tunnel is currently assessed as a likely LRK hide site, transit route, or temporary storage point linked to Samir al-Masri and Darwish’s wider logistics network. Earlier reporting suggested storing chemical drums underground was rejected due to poor airflow, cracking, and limited exits, with Abu Wajnam industrial yard assessed as the safer handling site. However, that report may now be outdated, and repairs or modifications may have since made the tunnel suitable for temporary chemical storage. Drone surveillance of Abu Wajnam industrial yard has not identified suspicious activity, and if the chemicals were held there, they do not appear to remain on site. At this time, the tunnels remain the main lead.

Separate reporting from OP 04 identified a significant IRGC-linked militia position operating near the LRK tunnel area. The site appears more established than the smaller militia positions previously encountered and may be acting as a local stronghold, staging area, or storage point for equipment and supplies. Given the continued absence of the stolen FPV drones, Stingers, and associated convoy equipment from previously cleared LRK sites, current assessment is that LRK may have sold, traded, or handed off some of this material to nearby militia elements in exchange for financing, protection, support, or operational cooperation. The relationship between LRK and IRGC-linked groups remains opportunistic rather than fully integrated. LRK has repeatedly shown a willingness to use outside militia forces as distractions or pressure points while preserving its own routes and personnel.

The wider joint force effort remains focused on securing the eastern river corridor from Misharah toward Afkhan. Hostile presence in this area remains uneven, with militia activity likely concentrated around Afkhan and surrounding settlements where armed groups can blend into civilian traffic. Clearance patrols are intended to reduce hostile freedom of movement, identify remaining militia positions, and prevent LRK or aligned elements from expanding their reach across the river.

Risk to aviation in the area remains elevated. Reports from OP 04 indicates a Wildcat was previously engaged and brought down by a single AA gun vehicle operating outside Afkhan, confirming hostile forces have at least some mobile air defence capability along the southern river approaches. The vehicle may have since displaced, concealed itself, or been folded into a wider militia defensive position. Until located or destroyed, aircraft operating south of Misharah should account for the AA gun threat, alongside the possible presence of stolen Stinger systems.

Acknowledgements

• Operating elements should expect irregular contact with ambushes and sudden engagements rather than defined frontline.
• 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

Intent of the operation is to strike LRK’s tunnel network to target al-Masri and expose Darwish’s chemical processing activity. Disrupt nearby IRGC-linked militia forces suspected of holding stolen convoy assets, while recovering intel that identifies how LRK intends to move remaining equipment and material out of the region.

Tasking(s)

Map - Overview

Plan Ops - Preview | Viewer (Read only)

40 Commando & 47 Commando

• [OBJ Minotaur] Locate, enter, and clear the suspected LRK tunnel complex.
• [OBJ Minotaur] Search for and detain Samir al-Masri and Darwish if present, and recover any intel linked to chemical material movement.
• [OBJ Rampart] Assault and clear the fortified militia stronghold, confirming whether stolen convoy equipment, drones, or Stingers have been transferred there by LRK.

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

• [OBJ Anchor Foxtrot] Conduct a clearance patrol through the north side of town for hostile fighters, caches and spotters.

• [OBJ Anchor Golf] Conduct a clearance patrol around Afkhan identifying militia positions and any concealed air defence threat.

Joint Aviation Command

• Provide resupply to 1MERCIAN and 20KRH before operational start

Markings