Satukandav Pass

Satukandav Pass - 1987 (Soviet-Afghan War).

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This scenario represents Operation Magistral which was the Soviet offensive to open the lines of communication between Gardez and Khost which had been cut off by the Mujahideen who controlled the only route through the mountains, Satukandav Pass.

The Mujahideen numbered about 15000 which I have represented with 30 battalions. additional air defence, rockets and artillery and considered to balance out about smaller battalions etc, but are additional in number.

I cant find any definitive location for Satukandav Pass but using Google maps and refferingto the book The Bear Went Over The Mountain I am concluding that its 12km from Gardez. The map in the same book is more tactical and shows the road as a straightline East-West, but the pass, which appears quite distinct is a zig zag but the overall orientation of the route is as shown on the map here.

The terrain is clearly all mountain and so there is little distinction between valleys and dominant tarrain features, however, the scenario should give you at least a clear indication of the scope of it all.

I have called this Satukandav Pass but it appears its better known as Operation Magistral and even more well known for the Battle for Hill 3234 which was made into a film that even I have seen.

Looks like the 191st try to take the pass to block reinforcements coming in from the north east.

I have also included the The 9th Company of the 3rd Battalion, 345th Airborne Regiment. I gave them enhanced defence as you can see, 8, but ummed and arred over the attack. I did put it down to 3 but thougt that the was to some extent too normal, but 4 seems too much for a company, but I have opted for 4 as many units have higher factors on both sides and its not as though its much when facing mountains. Historically they fought off 10-12 attacks with 39 men against 200-400 Mujahideen loosing only 6 men. I have also included Hill 3234.

see Wikipedia

see The Bear Went Over The Mountain

see Levenworth The Battle for Hill 3234: Last Ditch Defense in the Mountains of Afghanistan

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Units (Soviets)

Units (Mujahideen)