Afghanistan

1 RIFLES mentor the Afghan Army

This latest NATO report looks at the challenges faced by soldiers of the Operational Mentor Liaison Team from 1st Battalion The Rifles, working with soldiers of the Afghan National Army in Garmsir, southern Helmand province.

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Treating Kabul's addicts

 
Roughly one person in 30 is addicted to drugs in Afghanistan. A centre in Kabul is helping to wean addicts away from using drugs.

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Black Watch leaves for Afghanistan

Against the historic backdrop of the Fort George barracks, near Inverness, hundreds of soldiers from 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland (The Black Watch) said their goodbyes yesterday as they left for Afghanistan. Charlene Sweeney reports for The Times.

Regimental pipers played military tunes as the troops, surrounded by loved ones, boarded buses to catch a flight to Kandahar, in the south of the country, where they will carry out security duties during a six-month tour-of-duty.

Major Andrew Tait, 35, who had been in Army for 14 years, and commanding the Black Watch for two years, said they were more than ready to face the Taliban.

"We have spent six months doing extensive training, we have fantastic equipment, and we had said our final goodbyes, so we are looking forward to getting out there and getting stuck into the tour," he said.

Continues at: timesonline.co.uk - Black Watch leaves for Afghanistan

Click here to watch an STV video report including interviews with soldiers of 3 SCOTS as they prepare to deploy to southern Afghanistan.

Latest operational update from the RAF in Afghanistan: 21 March 2009

The C-130 Hercules detachment at 904 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) had a particularly busy week, given a demanding operational tempo and a wide variety of tasking. Aircrews are constantly tested to their limits and as a result of rigorous training and regular practice in peace time, they reliably deliver excellent effect when required under challenging operational conditions.

Alongside other mainstream Tactical Air Transport sorties, a successful leaflet drop was conducted. This was a particularly noteworthy result because an airborne re-plan had to be undertaken, due to differences between actual and forecast wind conditions. Operations such this are designed to inform the local population about Coalition activities.

Despite unforeseen pressures from external agencies and aircraft unserviceabilities having a direct effect on the C-130s of 904 EAW, over 2,200 passengers and 230 tonnes of freight were transported. Supreme efforts from the C-130 aircraft engineers ensured that mission success was achieved throughout this period.

Amongst this broad range of tasking, high priority short-notice requests were also met, against the backdrop of increasing Tactical Air Transport support to NATO’s International Stabilisation Assistance Force (ISAF).

For the Harrier GR9s of 904 EAW it has been a comparatively quiet week, with a slower operational tempo than has been the case recently. However, multiple reconnaissance missions were tasked and successfully executed, providing Ground Commanders with essential imagery of Enemy activity.

It is imperative that this imagery is interpreted as rapidly as possible, to provide the necessary detail to meet the operational demand. Close liaison and briefings continue to cement Coalition relations, achieving maximum effect with shared data from Close Air Support missions. Such liaison provides valuable lessons learned and tactical development across the whole fighter contingent.

A rolling schedule of Harrier maintenance ensures aircraft availability and despite unscheduled maintenance events, all tasking was still achieved this week. An ongoing modification programme also ensures Harrier capabilities are kept at the cutting edge of air warfare tactics.

The Communications Flight of 901 EAW has maintained a busy schedule providing operational transport throughout the region. Over 60 sorties have been carried out this week in support of essential ongoing work in preparation for the handing over of authority to the Iraqi administration. Effective contracted engineering support, summoned from the UK ensured rapid re-generation of an unserviceable aircraft, ensuring the full programme of tasks could be achieved.

Planned maintenance for the Nimrod MR2 means it will return to the UK to have essential engineering work carried out.

The Tristar has been particularly busy this week, offloading over 250 tonnes of fuel to receiver aircraft; the largest amount given since records began. It remains serviceable and ready to undertake further tasking in support of Operation HERRICK.

British and Estonian troops take fight to the Taliban

 
The first part of a five-part series from www.natochannel.tv which follows British and Estonian soldiers as they fight the Taliban on the outskirts of Nadi Ali district, one of Afghanistan's top opium producers in Helmand province.

• Part 2

• Part 3

• Part 4

• Part 5

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Taliban fear the "Dragon"

A 105mm L118 Light Gun is being used by British Gunners to such devastating effect against the Taliban that they have dubbed it the "Dragon".

The gun fired its first round in anger from a rocky outcrop above Musa Qaleh in January 2009 and has been busy ever since protecting coalition and Afghan forces and maintaining security in the area, thereby making it safer for civilians living in the town.

Musa Qaleh sits in a strategic location in north-western Helmand Province. It was re-taken from the Taliban by British, US and Afghan Forces in a major operation in December 2007.

Towering above the town around 2km to the north is the Roshan Tower - a 40m tall, rocky outcrop which provides an excellent vantage point with an eagle's eye view across a massive swath of territory...

Click here to read more at www.mod.uk

Combat medics treat troops and civilians in Sangin

British combat medics based in Sangin District Centre have spent their six-month deployment in Helmand treating coalition and Afghan forces as well as providing life-saving treatment to hundreds of civilians from the local area.

While Royal Marines from 45 Commando provide the security forces operating out of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jackson, located in Sangin, northern Helmand, as well as at a chain of smaller patrol bases in the area, the Regimental Aid Post at the FOB is staffed by a team of four combat medics and a medical officer.

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Marines shatter 'illusion of enemy safe haven'

British, Danish and Afghan troops took the Taliban totally by surprise last week in a daring operation launched into the heart of the enemy stronghold of Marjah in central Helmand.

The 700-strong force arrived by RAF Chinook and Royal Navy Sea King helicopters, Viking armoured vehicles, Leopard tanks, and on foot, and achieved total surprise in the latest phase of Operation AABI TOORAH ('Blue Sword').

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RAF Police mentor Afghan counterparts

For the last six months, eight members of the RAF Police have been deployed to Afghanistan with the mission to train, mentor, shape and influence the Afghan National Police in order to create a secure environment.

 The job involved numerous contacts with the enemy and, for Sergeant John Muir, this would prove to be the most challenging operational experience of his Service career.

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British Forces attack Taliban in the Snake's Belly

"Subjected to a maelstrom of fire from machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades", British and Afghan troops have successfully attacked various Taliban strongholds in the area known as the Snake's Belly on the River Helmand.

Operation KAPCHA BAZ (Pashtu for 'Cobra Eagle') saw over 250 British military personnel and around 100 Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers, led by Queen's Dragoon Guards, probe and disrupt the enemy, as well as gather intelligence.

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Marines find Taliban weapons ready for use

During a recent routine search operation deep into enemy territory Royal Marines discovered a stash of deadly Taliban weapons and improvised explosive devices ready for use against British and Afghan troops.

The operation took place in the Sangin area of northern Helmand province and saw the men of X-Ray Company, 45 Commando Group, who are normally based in Arbroath in Scotland, start the day with breakfast at 0300 hrs before leaving Forward Operating Base (FOB) Nolay to get to their objective area before first light.

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UK 'in Afghanistan for long term'

British forces may be in Afghanistan for another five years while civilians could stay more than 20 years, the new UK ambassador to Afghanistan has said.

Mark Sedwill, who will take up his post next week, told BBC Radio 5 Live the Afghan army and police should be strong enough in five years to take over.

But he said British workers would be there much longer helping with reconstruction and development.

Continues at: bbc.co.uk - UK 'in Afghanistan for long term'

Obama insists on Afghan exit strategy as US briefs NATO on new line

From Times Online.

President Obama said that he wanted a clear "exit strategy" from Afghanistan for the United States military as he prepares to pour an extra 17,000 troops into the country.

The influx of US troops - part of a general review of US policy in Afghanistan and Pakistan - echoes the military surge credited with turning around the situation in Iraq. It also emerged last week that the US wishes to hold talks with moderate elements in the Taliban, mirroring the way it tackled the Sunni insurgency in Iraq.

Continues at: timesonline.co.uk - Obama insists on Afghan exit strategy

Britain to join 'civilian surge' in Afghanistan

Britain is to join a 'civilian surge' in Afghanistan that will result in more diplomats and aid experts joining the fight against the Taliban alongside combat troops. Report by The Telegraph's Tim Shipman.

British officials have played a central role in helping President Obama's National Security Council devise the plan, designed to win the allegiance of local Afghan leaders by showing that NATO countries are committed to rebuilding the country.

But in an admission that Britain's reputation as a world leader in counter-insurgency warfare has suffered a setback in Iraq and Helmand province, UK military chiefs will also take lessons from the Americans in how best to conduct "hybrid" operations that blend military and civilian power.

Continues at: telegraph.co.uk - Britain to join 'civilian surge' in Afghanistan

A visitor's guide to surviving dinner in Kabul

By Gideon Rachman.

"The NATO people here in Afghanistan are keen to point out that 'Kabul is not surrounded'. Still, if you want to visit US troops based 40 miles south of here, you do not drive. We took a Blackhawk helicopter. Halfway through the journey, our machine-gunner began to fire into the mountains below. It was too noisy to ask whether he had spotted 'bad guys'; it turned out he was just having a laugh, or rather, 'testing my weapon' by shooting at barren ground."

Continues at: ft.com - A visitor's guide to surviving dinner in Kabul

RAF bomb the Taliban from 8,000 miles away

British pilots are killing Taliban fighters every day in Afghanistan - from the comfort of an armchair 8,000 miles away.

They sit in virtual cockpits guiding remote-controlled Reaper jets to spy on terrorists - and then blow them away with Hellfire missiles.

And The Sun has been given a rare look inside the high-tech operation, which gave air support to Prince Harry during his deployment in Afghanistan.

Continues at: thesun.co.uk - RAF bomb the Taliban from 8,000 miles away

Taliban have achieved stalemate in Afghanistan, warns David Miliband

The Taliban has achieved a "strategic stalemate" in Afghanistan, David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, has admitted. Report by Andrew Porter, Political Editor of The Telegraph.

His statement came as he refused to say whether he wanted to reduce the number of British forces in the country.

A new American report has been assessing the future of its operation in Afghanistan to rid the country of the Taliban.

Continues at: telegraph.co.uk - Taliban have achieved stalemate in Afghanistan

Commando Engineers return home after helping rebuild Helmand

Over 110 Army Commando Engineers have returned home to Devon after a demanding six-month tour in Helmand supporting Coalition and Afghan forces in southern Afghanistan.

The unit is the first major 3 Commando Brigade unit to return to the UK and the soldiers were welcomed home early this morning, Friday 20 March 2009, to their Chivenor barracks after flying into Exeter Airport.

Over 360 troops from 24 Commando Engineer Regiment deployed on Op HERRICK 9 to Afghanistan last Autumn and their return sees the start of the return of over 6,500 3 Commando Brigade troops and their replacement in Helmand by 19 Light Brigade.

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Marines take on Taliban in the Fish Hook

Over 500 Marines and Afghan National Army soldiers have completed a gruelling month-long operation using helicopter insertions, long desert marches and vehicle patrols throughout the 'Fish Hook' area of the southern Helmand Valley.

The aim of the mission was to gather intelligence and gain an understanding of an area previously little-visited by ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) troops.

As well as carrying out a large-scale reconnaissance manoeuvre, the Marines from 42 Commando Group, working closely with the local population, deliberately disrupted the enemy and were engaged in a number of significant contacts, not least in the town of Khan Neshin, an area known for Taliban influence. Here, they took on the enemy in the town, defeating suicide bombers, clearing compounds and engaging in fierce close-quarters combat.

Click here to read more at www.mod.uk

Click here for a gallery of images from the operation

Sappers' bridge opens in Garmsir

A new bridge built by British engineers at an important crossing point over the main canal in Garmsir, southern Helmand province, has been opened by Lieutenant General Peter Wall, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Operations).

Crossing the canal, which feeds water into the irrigation system around Garmsir, the bridge replaces an older bridge built by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in 2007. This bridge was never intended to be permanent as it was for military, not civilian, use and, not being suitable for civilian traffic, required regular maintenance.

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