Posted on 10/07/2001 11:15:10 AM PDT by MadIvan
UK forces are involved in the military attacks on Afghanistan, it has been confirmed. US President George W Bush confirmed UK involvement as he said in a White House address that the US had begun military action. "We are joined in this operation by our staunch friend, Great Britain," he said.
Downing Street also confirmed that British forces are taking part in the operation.
"We can confirm that British forces are engaged in the military action that has begun against targets in Afghanistan," the Prime Minister's spokesman said.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is due to make a statement at 10 Downing Street shortly.
Cruise missiles
It was reported on the US television channel CNN that cruise missiles had been fired from British and American ships.
About 24 British Royal Navy warships as well as 23,000 British troops are in the region.
They had been sent there before the 11 September US attacks for long-planned exercises with the Omanis, known as Saif Sareea 2.
The leader of the opposition Conservative party, Iain Duncan Smith, said he would make a statement after he had spoken to Downing Street.
It is possible that the Conservative party conference, for which MPs whad been gathering in Blackpool on Sunday, may be cancelled.
Story 2:
Blair pays tribute to British forces
Prime Minister Tony Blair paid tribute to the British forces in action in Afghanistan saying they were "amongst the best in the world".
Mr Blair praised the "courageous" soldiers whose "sense of duty" is renowned "throughout the world".
It has been confirmed that British missile-firing submarines are in action against Afghanistan.
Mr Blair said: "There are dangers in action, but there are also dangers in inaction and those dangers are far far greater.
He moved to reassure people that Britain itself was not under-threat, saying: "There is no specific credible threat to the British people."
He also said that efforts were being made to help refugees displaced by the conflict.
"We are assembling a coalition for refugees from Afghanistan, which is as important as the military action.
"Britain is heavily involved in that humanitarian action."
Mr Blair said: "This is not a war against Islam. It angers me to hear bin Laden described as Islamic terrorist. They are terrorists pure and simple.
Menzies Campbell, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman, said: "These operations have become inevitable.
"The Taleban have been given every opportunity to give up bin Laden and withdraw support from his terrorist network.
"Under international law these are legitimate targets. Every effort must be made to minimise civilian casualties."
"Once again the lives of the brave men and women of Britain's armed services are at risk. We wish them a safe return," Mr Campbell continued.
This means he is different from Clinton because Clinton had no shining moments whatsoever.
GOD bless the American and British troops. Shoulder to shoulder and from the beginning, until the end , together we fight on the side of righteousness. We shall win !
Thanks, Britain! Great to have you on our side.
Today we focus on Afghanistan, but the battle is broader. Every nation has a choice to make. In this conflict, there is no neutral ground. If any government sponsors the outlaws and killers of innocence, they have become outlaws and murderers themselves. And they will take that lonely path at their own peril.
Terrorism does not just grow. Umpteen billion angry Muslims does not = terrorism with global reach capable of mass destruction. States are the missing part of the equation, and I think Bush sent a pretty clear message that the party with terror-sponsoring states is still on the schedule.
Terrorism does not just grow. Umpteen billion angry Muslims does not = terrorism with global reach capable of mass destruction. States are the missing part of the equation, and I think Bush sent a pretty clear message that the party with terror-sponsoring states is still on the schedule.
This means he is different from Clinton because Clinton had no shining moments whatsoever." "
That's it in a nutshell...and no matter how the FOB's try to spin it, he would've NEVER shined no matter what came on "his watch".....because he lacked the very essence of a leader - character.
I'm praying for all our brave military, US and UK and all the other allies....We must keep them in our prayers, and do our part being alert, vigilant and supportive!
Bump for the RN's Sub-Tomahawks!
They've received "thousands" of Emails from America they say... Of about 6 they've read on air, 2 were "ashamed of America" and two said they wanted Blair for President...
Real balanced reporting…
They had two "PM's" on and both said we should not have started bombing now… That is was "wrong, wrong, wrong"…
They had a British "Muslim Leader" on that said we shouldn't have bombed them, that we should have used "other" means… Only the UN had legal authority…
So far they haven't had a single pro West person on… Not one in the last two freeking hours…
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