Khurram SHAHZAD | Fox News | AFP | ISLAMABAD (AFP) – Pakistan assured Britain's visiting prime minister on Sunday that it would promote peace efforts in neighbouring Afghanistan as the West pushes for talks with the Taliban ahead of NATO's withdrawal.
David Cameron's talks in Islamabad were conducted as three attacks in northwest Pakistan killed at least 25 people, underscoring the Islamist militant violence plaguing both sides of the Afghan border.
His two-day visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan was part of a Western push to end a 12-year Taliban insurgency after recent efforts to start peace talks collapsed in ignominy over the manner in which the militants opened an office in Qatar on June 18.
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Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK. Show all posts
July 1, 2013
Cameron Visits Troops on Unannounced Afghan Trip
The China Post | Sunday 30th June, 2013 | KABUL - British Prime Minister David Cameron made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan on Saturday, backing talks with the Taliban as his top general said the West missed a chance to strike a peace deal 10 years ago.
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Taliban Rejects Talks as Britain's Cameron Tours Region
VoANews via Afghanistan Sun | Sunday 30th June, 2013 | ISLAMABAD - International-backed efforts to seek a negotiated end to the 12 years of grinding war in Afghanistan have suffered another blow after Taliban rebels apparently rejected conditions for proposed peace talks. The development comes as British Prime Minister David Cameron concluded a trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan as part of efforts to revive the stalled peace process.
In its first formal reaction following the opening of the controversial Taliban political office nearly two weeks ago in Qatar, the Afghan insurgent group has harshly criticized the United States and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai for allegedly "wasting time" and making "false commitments" regarding proposed peace talks.
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Pakistan Assures British PM of Afghan Peace Talks
MENAFN | Monday 1st July, 2013 | (MENAFN - Arab News) Pakistan assured Britain's visiting prime minister yesterday that it would promote peace efforts in neighboring Afghanistan as the West pushes for talks with the Taleban ahead of NATO's withdrawal. David Cameron's talks in Islamabad were conducted as three attacks in northwest Pakistan killed at least 44 people, underscoring the militant violence plaguing both sides of the Afghan border. His two-day visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan was part of a Western push to end a 12-year Taleban insurgency after recent efforts to start peace talks collapsed in ignominy...
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April 3, 2013
New Life of Adventure and Helping Others for Soldier Who Lost Limbs in Taliban Booby-trap
Belfast Telegraph | 03 April 2013 | Victoria O'Hara | A heroic soldier who nearly died after he was blown up in Afghanistan has spoken of his remarkable recovery – and determination to make the most of life – just 10 months after the Taliban attack. Bryan Phillips (27) lost both legs but escaped with his life in June last year when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated during a patrol. The Newtownabbey man suffered horrendous injuries and technically died for one minute in hospital. (READ MORE)
September 28, 2012
Threat to Brit-Built Afghan Schools
Belfast Telegraph | Schools and health centres built by British troops in Afghanistan could be closed because the country's government cannot afford to run them, it has been reported. A report written this year said too many centres had been built as the UK worked to stabilise Afghanistan and rebuild the shattered components of civil society.
Soldiers Honoured for Afghanistan Battlefield Bravery
 |
Rifleman Matthew Wilson has received the Military Cross
in the latest military operational honours. Photograph: Lewis Whyld/PA |
Haroon Siddique | The Guardian | Thursday 27 September 2012 | A soldier who got back up to help evacuate a wounded comrade after being knocked unconscious on the battlefield is among more than 100 service personnel awarded military honours for exceptional feats.
Rifleman Matthew Wilson, 21, was hit on his helmet during an ambush in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, last October. He came round after a few seconds with a throbbing headache but advanced into a firing position on open ground to protect an evacuation helicopter.
He said: "The first thing I thought was 'Can I see the firing position?' I thought I need to move somewhere else I can see it. I looked about 50 metres down the field … sprinted down there." (READ MORE)
The Betrayal of Afghanistan
John Pilger | johnpilger.com | At the Labour party conference following the September 11 attacks, Tony Blair said memorably: "To the Afghan people, we make this commitment. We will not walk away... If the Taliban regime changes, we will work with you to make sure its successor is one that is broadbased, that unites all ethnic groups and offers some way out of the poverty that is your miserable existence." He was echoing George Bush, who had said a few days earlier: "The oppressed people of Afghanistan will know the generosity of America and its allies. As we strike military targets, we will also drop food, medicine and supplies to the starving and suffering men and women and children of Afghanistan. The US is a friend of the Afghan people." (READ MORE)
September 27, 2012
Scientist Supports Military Colleagues in Helmand
Helmandblog Afghanistan | The light is disappearing rapidly, but the heat is lingering and the brooding bulk of the Mastiff parked on the road is starting to fade into the darkness. The anticipation is rising. We are just waiting for the Americans to arrive. For the last few months Dr Peter Harvey has been engaged in what he describes as a kind of detective story, a whodunnit. Who or what is causing the random, intermittent interference with various types of communication inside Camp Bastion?
Tonight in his role as sleuth, Scientific Adviser to UK forces Dr Harvey is conducting the second in a series of trials to eliminate possible suspects from his enquiries. (READ MORE)
Tonight in his role as sleuth, Scientific Adviser to UK forces Dr Harvey is conducting the second in a series of trials to eliminate possible suspects from his enquiries. (READ MORE)
September 26, 2012
40 Commando Takes Command in Nahr-e Sarajfrom Helmand Blog
ukforcesafghanistan | Helmand Blog - Afghnaistan | 40 Commando Royal Marines officially completed the transfer of command of Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North) on 21 September 2012 from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.
40 Commando deployed as part of Operation HERRICK 17 and now looks to continue the progress made by the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. It will, in due course, become a Transition Support Unit, when 40 Commando will become the supporting force in an area where the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) are ready and able to take the lead. (READ MORE)
40 Commando deployed as part of Operation HERRICK 17 and now looks to continue the progress made by the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. It will, in due course, become a Transition Support Unit, when 40 Commando will become the supporting force in an area where the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) are ready and able to take the lead. (READ MORE)
September 25, 2012
Prince William Wants to Join Harry in Afghanistan
SINA | Monday 24th September, 2012 | Britain's Prince William wants to join his brother, Prince Harry, on the front line in Afghanistan. The 30-year-old royal - an RAF search and rescue pilot - has asked RAF bosses if he can go out to the war zone to take part in some active service, and military officials are now thought to be trying to grant his wish. A Whitehall defence source told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "The brothers are in touch nearly every day..." (READ MORE)
September 24, 2012
Family Hails Afghan Soldier 'Hero'
Wales Online | A soldier who died from wounds suffered in a shooting incident in Afghanistan has been described by his family as their "guardian angel" and "hero".
September 20, 2012
UK, Denmark Suggest NATO Meeting on Afghan Attacks
The Associated Press | COPENHAGEN, Denmark - Britain and Denmark have called for a meeting of NATO countries to discuss how to tackle insider attacks against allied troops by Afghan forces.
But he also suggested a wider conference on the issue where allied and Afghan experts could "come up with additional helpful approaches."
No date or place have been set for such a conference, but Danish Defense Minister Nick Haekkerup said Denmark would be willing to host it.
Under the new NATO rules, operations that mix small-sized Afghan and coalition units are no longer considered routine and require the approval of the regional commander.
[Source]
August 4, 2011
Operation Thriller and the search for missing warriors in Iraq
Warhorse troopers search for lost warriors in Iraq
CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION GARRY OWEN, Iraq – Soldiers from Bulldog Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division joined forces with a personnel recovery detachment to search possible sites that might contain remains from American or British personnel, July 21, in southern Iraq.
Bulldog conducted a cordon and search of a suspected burial site where intelligence determined the remains of American and coalition forces were located. The goal was to recover any remains and confirm the identities of the prisoners of war found.
“I was initially surprised to learn that such a mission still existed here in Iraq. My next response was determination to see this mission through; I know my parents would want my remains home and buried properly on American soil if I were lost in combat.” said Capt. Matt Oldach, a native of Waterford, Pa., and Bulldog Company commander. “Thoughts of those families lacking closure easily motivated me to give this mission 100 percent of Bulldog Company's attention. My soldiers were honored and fired up to get out in Amarah and recover our fallen comrades. They truly desired to give every effort and make any sacrifice necessary to bring those who had died before them home.”
The mission was called Operation Thriller and was a priority for all U.S. Forces – Iraq due to the location in Amarah and the assets involved. One of the major goals of USF – I is to recover the remains of the various POWs from Operation Iraqi Freedom and bring closure to the families involved. The mission was the largest effort toward that goal so far.
Planning for the operation was a complex endeavor. There were over 100 U.S. soldiers and 70 Iraqi army personnel involved, as well as aviation and engineer assets.
“Preparation for Operation Thriller required a great deal of coordination with the enablers assigned,” Oldach said. “Successful conditions for this mission required not only the enablers understanding our scheme of maneuver, but also that my security elements understand the enablers' capabilities, limitations, and requirements. We began planning for this mission over two months prior to execution with many coordination meetings, rehearsals, and checks prior to execution.”
Platoons from Bulldog Company along with the 422nd Military Police Bn., provided security for the search teams, who used trained canines to search the area. After the personnel recovery dog teams received positive results at three sites, the engineer heavy digging assets began to dig and carefully determine if remains existed.
The teams searched an area near the Tigris River among large palm groves. The palm groves bordered downtown Amarah, a city of about half a million people with an indifferent attitude toward USF – I.
“The search areas were very narrow dirt paths that made travel difficult in our large vehicles, presenting a significant challenge to the mission,” Oldach said.
He added that the citizens were generally subdued or friendly, but in another neighborhood, locals threw rocks at the trail vehicles.
“Outside of that incident, citizens were generally friendly,” Oldach said. “The most significant challenge of the operation was navigating the ancient unimproved roads in modern, over-sized, armored vehicles. While these vehicles provide the best protection for our soldiers, they make travel in such narrow areas very difficult.”
But there is no way that such a small inconvenience could stop these warriors when the possible reward is the recovery of U.S. and coalition remains, and the subsequent closure available to their families and friends.
CONTINGENCY OPERATING STATION GARRY OWEN, Iraq – Soldiers from Bulldog Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division joined forces with a personnel recovery detachment to search possible sites that might contain remains from American or British personnel, July 21, in southern Iraq.
Bulldog conducted a cordon and search of a suspected burial site where intelligence determined the remains of American and coalition forces were located. The goal was to recover any remains and confirm the identities of the prisoners of war found.
“I was initially surprised to learn that such a mission still existed here in Iraq. My next response was determination to see this mission through; I know my parents would want my remains home and buried properly on American soil if I were lost in combat.” said Capt. Matt Oldach, a native of Waterford, Pa., and Bulldog Company commander. “Thoughts of those families lacking closure easily motivated me to give this mission 100 percent of Bulldog Company's attention. My soldiers were honored and fired up to get out in Amarah and recover our fallen comrades. They truly desired to give every effort and make any sacrifice necessary to bring those who had died before them home.”
The mission was called Operation Thriller and was a priority for all U.S. Forces – Iraq due to the location in Amarah and the assets involved. One of the major goals of USF – I is to recover the remains of the various POWs from Operation Iraqi Freedom and bring closure to the families involved. The mission was the largest effort toward that goal so far.
Planning for the operation was a complex endeavor. There were over 100 U.S. soldiers and 70 Iraqi army personnel involved, as well as aviation and engineer assets.
“Preparation for Operation Thriller required a great deal of coordination with the enablers assigned,” Oldach said. “Successful conditions for this mission required not only the enablers understanding our scheme of maneuver, but also that my security elements understand the enablers' capabilities, limitations, and requirements. We began planning for this mission over two months prior to execution with many coordination meetings, rehearsals, and checks prior to execution.”
Platoons from Bulldog Company along with the 422nd Military Police Bn., provided security for the search teams, who used trained canines to search the area. After the personnel recovery dog teams received positive results at three sites, the engineer heavy digging assets began to dig and carefully determine if remains existed.
The teams searched an area near the Tigris River among large palm groves. The palm groves bordered downtown Amarah, a city of about half a million people with an indifferent attitude toward USF – I.
“The search areas were very narrow dirt paths that made travel difficult in our large vehicles, presenting a significant challenge to the mission,” Oldach said.
He added that the citizens were generally subdued or friendly, but in another neighborhood, locals threw rocks at the trail vehicles.
“Outside of that incident, citizens were generally friendly,” Oldach said. “The most significant challenge of the operation was navigating the ancient unimproved roads in modern, over-sized, armored vehicles. While these vehicles provide the best protection for our soldiers, they make travel in such narrow areas very difficult.”
But there is no way that such a small inconvenience could stop these warriors when the possible reward is the recovery of U.S. and coalition remains, and the subsequent closure available to their families and friends.
March 22, 2011
Funeral of Scottish dog handler killed in Afghanistan brings town to a standstill
Daily Record Mar 22 2011
AN ARMY dog handler killed in Afghanistan was hailed as a "hero" and "the best brother you could ask for" as hundreds of mourners gathered for his funeral today.
Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, 26, of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was shot dead on March 1 while on patrol with his springer spaniel Theo.
The sniffer dog, described as a "true friend" to the soldier, died hours later after suffering a seizure, with L/Cpl Tasker's family believing Theo died from a broken heart.
Several hundred people packed into Tayport Parish Church, Fife, and lined the streets outside to pay their respects to the arms explosive search (AES) handler from Kirkcaldy.
During the funeral, L/Cpl Tasker's tearful brother Ian recalled fond memories of the soldier.
His voice quaking with emotion, he told mourners: "Liam was the best brother, son, grandson and indeed friend you could ask for."
Lieutenant Colonel David Thorpe, commanding officer of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, paid his own tribute during the military funeral.
He described L/Cpl Tasker as a "natural dog man" who displayed an "uncanny empathy" with the animals during his training.
"It was obvious to all who encountered him that he would be a rising star in the veterinary corps," he said.
"It was as a AES handler that L/Cpl Tasker's talent really came to the fore.
"It is clear that the pride he took in his job came from the love he had for the dogs he worked with."
Lt Col Thorpe also spoke of the dog handler's love for his family and friends and described him as a "brave, loyal and strong" soldier.
He told mourners: "He was able to utilise all his skills and lead from the front as an example to us all.
"He saved the lives of his friends and colleagues on numerous occasions.
"He was a hero. He knew that he could be and he knew that he was, but he would never tell you himself."
AN ARMY dog handler killed in Afghanistan was hailed as a "hero" and "the best brother you could ask for" as hundreds of mourners gathered for his funeral today.
Lance Corporal Liam Tasker, 26, of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was shot dead on March 1 while on patrol with his springer spaniel Theo.
The sniffer dog, described as a "true friend" to the soldier, died hours later after suffering a seizure, with L/Cpl Tasker's family believing Theo died from a broken heart.
Several hundred people packed into Tayport Parish Church, Fife, and lined the streets outside to pay their respects to the arms explosive search (AES) handler from Kirkcaldy.
During the funeral, L/Cpl Tasker's tearful brother Ian recalled fond memories of the soldier.
His voice quaking with emotion, he told mourners: "Liam was the best brother, son, grandson and indeed friend you could ask for."
Lieutenant Colonel David Thorpe, commanding officer of the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, paid his own tribute during the military funeral.
He described L/Cpl Tasker as a "natural dog man" who displayed an "uncanny empathy" with the animals during his training.
"It was obvious to all who encountered him that he would be a rising star in the veterinary corps," he said.
"It was as a AES handler that L/Cpl Tasker's talent really came to the fore.
"It is clear that the pride he took in his job came from the love he had for the dogs he worked with."
Lt Col Thorpe also spoke of the dog handler's love for his family and friends and described him as a "brave, loyal and strong" soldier.
He told mourners: "He was able to utilise all his skills and lead from the front as an example to us all.
"He saved the lives of his friends and colleagues on numerous occasions.
"He was a hero. He knew that he could be and he knew that he was, but he would never tell you himself."
March 21, 2011
Insurgents stand by helpless as troops march into ‘safe haven’
From Helmand Blog - Afghanistan by ukforcesafghanistan -
British soldiers have stamped their authority on an insurgent-occupied area of Helmand’s Nahr-e Saraj district, after defying enemy fighters to launch a confident reconnaissance mission.(READ MORE)
Troops from Windsor-based 1st Battalion Irish Guards proved the extent to which they have ground down the insurgency, by marching into the ‘stronghold’ with hardly any resistance, as they checked out a possible site for a new patrol base in the town of Pasab.
Located within the area of responsibility of Forward Operating Base Kharn Nikah, which controls the key routes used by local people to get to Gereshk, Pasab has had no military patrol base of its own. As a result, it became one of the last relative safe havens for insurgents in the wider area.
Responding to calls from Pasab residents for British and Afghan forces based in the area to do more to tackle insurgent activity and safeguard their security, the Irish Guards drew up plans for a new patrol base and organised the reconnaissance mission as a first stage in the process.
The British soldiers entered the town prepared for a forceful response from insurgents desperate to protect their interests. However, only one small burst of fire was seen throughout the entire morning. The troops had moved into position before the sun came up, preventing insurgent forces from getting into fighting positions.
March 3, 2011
Lance Corporal Liam Richard Tasker killed in Afghanistan
From Helmand Blog - Afghanistan by MediaOps -
It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Lance Corporal Liam Richard Tasker, from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed in Afghanistan on Tuesday 1 March 2011.(READ MORE)
Lance Corporal Tasker deployed to Afghanistan on 8 September 2010 as part of 1st Military Working Dog Regiment. Having trained as an Arms and Explosives Search dog handler, he was attached to 1st Battalion Irish Guards on 19 February 2011.
On 1 March 2011, LCpl Tasker was taking part in a patrol with his dog, Theo, when they were engaged by small arms fire, during which LCpl Tasker was struck and died from the injuries he sustained. Sadly on return to Camp Bastion, Theo suffered a seizure and died.
March 2, 2011
‘School’s In’ at Rahim as Brits Face Down Insurgents
From Helmand Blog - Afghanistan by ukforcesafghanistan -
As the insurgents’ grip on Helmand’s Upper Gereshk Valley loosens every day, under the relentless pressure of British troops, children in the area are now able to pursue education in defiance of Taleban intent.(READ MORE)
During a patrol in the village of Rahim Kalay this week, soldiers from No.4 Company, 1st Battalion Irish Guards dropped in to a newly-built school to see the positive effect on local people that their aggressive assaults on the insurgency have brought about.
December 29, 2010
English Lessons For Afghan Workers At Camp Bastion from Helmand Blog - Afghanistan by ukforcesafghanistan
Helmand Blog - Afghanistan:English Lessons For Afghan Workers At Camp Bastion -
Twelve Afghan civilian workers at Camp Bastion were presented with certificates for completing a pioneering English language course run by the Joint Theatre Education Centre.(READ MORE)
Brigadier Alister Davis, Commander Joint Force Support (Afghanistan) presented certificates to the Afghan students who are all employed by KBR, the civilian contractor responsible for a wide range of infrastructure and facilities management services at Camp Bastion. The ten week course comprised two one hour lessons each week taught by instructors from the Army’s Education and Training Service. Major Ed Rankin, Officer Commanding Joint Theatre Education Centre said “This is a new initiative run in conjunction with KBR. The aim is to offer our Afghan workers the opportunity to develop their knowledge of English and boost their employment prospects. The course also promotes an awareness of British culture and the role of ISAF”.
The Afghan students work in roles including labourers, mechanics, electricians and plumbers. Some had a greater knowledge and ability to speak English than others, but by the end of the course they all possessed a firm grasp of English grammar and had practised speaking and reading English. Major Rankin commented “Two of the initial class were found to be sufficiently proficient to pass the examination for Interpreters and one is now working at Camp Bastion as an interpreter. This is a respected and well paid position”.
December 21, 2010
Soldier Takes Bullet to Save Afghan Child’s Life from Helmand Blog - Afghanistan by ukforcesafghanistan
Helmand Blog - Afghanistan: Soldier Takes Bullet to Save Afghan Child’s Life -
(READ MORE)The actions of a Devon soldier, who took a bullet himself to save the life of a small child, have shown the difference between British courage and Taliban evil.
Lance Corporal Craig Murfitt, a rifleman and medic serving in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, demonstrated nerves of steel and the coolest of clear heads in a startling sequence of events, after being called to assist other soldiers during a recent patrol.
The 25-year-old, serving with the Tidworth-based 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, was amongst a crew of soldiers patrolling in one of the Army’s new Warthog armoured vehicles. They were out on a routine security patrol, providing reassurance to local communities, when suddenly they were re-tasked to reinforce infantry colleagues who been pinned down by fire from hidden insurgents and needed urgent back-up.
Lance Corporal Murfitt – from Barnstaple in Devon and known to Army mates as ‘Murf’ – picks up the story:"It had been a pretty standard patrol but, when the call came in and we were re-tasked, we were told to get in there fast and provide support. I was in the rear half of my Troop Sergeant’s vehicle ready to give precision fire with my rifle, and the driver stepped on it to get there as quickly as possible.
Our arrival, with our heavy firepower, seemed to bring the fight to an end fairly quickly, but we stayed alert. Everything was quiet, but then I spotted three men with a child on a compound roof, about 300 yards to the front of the vehicles."
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