UK forces push deep into Taliban territory in Afghanistan

The Telegraph ^ | 7/3/2009 | Ben Farmer in Kabul

[bruinbirdman]

Around 800 British troops have pushed deep into Taliban-held territory in Helmand province after a ten-day battle to secure river crossings.

The latest wave of two-week-old Operation Panther's Claw involved one of the most strategically significant operations the British have carried out in Helmand, a British Army statement said.

Hundreds of soldiers from the Light Dragoons began moving to secure a large area north of Lashkar Gah after 750 Welsh Guards seized 13 canal crossings.

"Hundreds of soldiers from the Welsh Guards Battlegroup have successfully seized 13 key canal crossings in one of the most strategically significant British operations ever carried out in Helmand province," said the statement.

"Taking control of the crossings will now allow British troops to prevent insurgents' movements between Helmand's two largest cities, Gereskh and Lashkar Gah."

Taliban insurgents launched a string of bomb attacks on the British and killed Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe, the first commanding officer to die in action since the Falklands conflict. Trooper Josh Hammond of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment also died.

By seizing the canal crossings, the British hope to stem the flow of fighters between the provincial capital and Gereshk, and allow free movement for next month's presidential election.

Lt Col Nick Richardson, a spokesman for British forces, said: "As troops move into the Babiji area, they do so knowing that it is a Taliban stronghold; one which is key to their lines of communication and contains vital transport routes between Gereskh and Lashkar Gah.

"Securing this area and then maintaining that security on a long-term basis is, therefore, vitally important to our overall mission here in Helmand."

Operation Panther's Claw began two weeks ago with a massive helicopter landing by 350 men of the Black Watch. Since then, the Welsh Guards have seized all crossings along the Shamalan

[centurion316]

In their typical hamfisted fashion, the U.S. Marines have chosen to denigrate the efforts of their British Allies when publicizing their new offense in Helmand Province.

I think this was a serious error. The British Army are fine soldiers, ever bit the equal of the best of the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Army. They are not the best equipped, nor do they enjoy the support of their government that they deserve. But, they have fought well in Helmand and continue to do so. The arrogance of the Marines, who have much to learn, is unfortunate.

This is a fight by the forces of Freedom against the forces of evil. The British Army, the Canadian Army, the U.S. Marines, and the U.S. Army as well as other NATO and Allied (Austrialia) forces are working wonders despite the lilly livered politicians that control their fate. I wish them all well and damn their politician leaders all to hell.

[blueplum]

the US Marines or the US media?

we have to go to the telegraph/guardian/bbc to get any real news :)

[centurion316]

I’m not sure that I can discern the difference in this case. That has long been one of the issues with the Marines, who are otherwise outstanding fighting men.

[SnuffaBolshevik]

In their typical hamfisted fashion, the U.S. Marines have chosen to denigrate the efforts of their British Allies when publicizing their new offense in Helmand Province.

I read the link and did not see the offense (by the U.S. Marines) that you proferred.

Please inform.