[Afghanistan] Archive

[Invité barbaros pacha]

Ah,je croyais que la turquie était membre de l'OTAN.

Membre de l'Otan est alors?

Pourquoi certains pays Européens aide le Pkk?

Pourquoi un pays Européen a relacher un membre du Pkk et la envoyez avec un avion militaire (privée) dans le nord de l'Irak?

Pourquoi les Usa, qui font la guerre a tous les groupes terroristes, ne font rien pour le Pkk? ils sont contre.. fin du hs.

[Fenrir]

Pourquoi la Turquie maintient t elle la moitié de son armée vers un autre pays OTAN et en envahi le territoire?

Pleins de questions que l'on peut se poser...

[Invité barbaros pacha]

Pourquoi la Turquie maintient t elle la moitié de son armée vers un autre pays OTAN et en envahi le territoire?

Pleins de questions que l'on peut se poser...

Chypre fait partie de l'Otan?  :rolleyes:

[ZeusIrae]

http://www.radiofrance.fr/chaines/france-culture2/emissions/grain/

Emission  sur la situation.Conclusion:ça ne va pas du tout.

[sezen]

Pourquoi la Turquie maintient t elle la moitié de son armée vers un autre pays OTAN et en envahi le territoire?

Pleins de questions que l'on peut se poser...

Une ebauche de reponse

Cette intervention fut menée en réaction au coup d'État des nationalistes grecs voulant rattacher l'île (indépendante du Royaume-Uni depuis 1960 et admise à siéger à l’Organisation des Nations unies) à la nation grecque (Enosis). La Grèce étant alors sous la dictature des colonels

[Fenrir]

Et c'est toujours la dictature des colonels en Grèce?

Faut se réveiller parfois...

L'attaque du WTC était injustifiable de n'importe quel manière, on peut toutefois comprendre le combats de Kurdes...

[sezen]

L'attaque du WTC était injustifiable de n'importe quel manière, on peut toutefois comprendre le combats de Kurdes...

Ah donc foutre une bombe pour tuer des civiles turques et comprehensible pour toi????????  :O  :O

[kotai]

Ah donc foutre une bombe pour tuer des civiles turques et comprehensible pour toi????????  :O  :O

Comme pour la palestinne, vous avez parqué les kurdes comme des citoyen de seconde zone sur leur propre pays (bien sur envahie).

[Invité barbaros pacha]

Et c'est toujours la dictature des colonels en Grèce?

Faut se réveiller parfois...

L'attaque du WTC était injustifiable de n'importe quel manière, on peut toutefois comprendre le combats de Kurdes...

Fenrir, je te consseillerai d'aller voire les traités sur l'ile de Chypre...La Turquie, la Grece et le Royaume-uni sont les garants...

[sezen]

Comme pour la palestinne, vous avez parqué les kurdes comme des citoyen de seconde zone sur leur propre pays (bien sur envahie).

Bon pour coupper court a se genre de petites phrases nous sortant la palestine toutes les deux secondes.

Une roquette lancée sur une maternelle par le djihad islamique ou le hamas: je condamne.

Une attaque Israelienne sur  qui cause la mort de civiles: je condamne.

Un attentat au coeur de New york : je condamne.

Une bombe largué par un B52 sur des civiles : je condamne.

J'espere etre assez claire.

Alors bon maintenant si vous avez une animausité/haine en vers certeinne populations c'est votres problemes , mais ne venez pas me sortir a chaque seconde les palestiniens ceci ou cela , car je condamne aussi quand ils s'attaquent a des civiles , je ne suis pas sure que certeins sur se forum soit pret a se remetre en cause quand il sagit de condamner les action des Usa, Israel ou autre pays occidental.

[Fenrir]

Quand on voit ce qu'on subit les Kurdes de la part des pays de lequels ils sont présent, suffit de voir les attaques massives turcs dans les années 90.

Vlan 3000 villages attaqués!

Je crois pas que les US larguent sciemment des bombes sur les villages afghans pour faire des cadavres, il y a souvent une raison lié à la présence talibane...

C'est pas une volonté de massacre sinon il y aurait plus beaucoup d'afghans vivant...

[sezen]

Quand on voit ce qu'on subit les Kurdes de la part des pays de lequels ils sont présent, suffit de voir les attaques massives turcs dans les années 90.

Vlan 3000 villages attaqués!

Donc en suivant t'as logique ,quand le FLN tué des civiles français lors de la guerre d'algerie , c'etait justifié?L'armée française n'avait donc aucune justification a repliquer ?????  :O

Il faudra que tu m'expliques t'as vision des chose ,condamnes tu le terrorisme ou les attaques en vers les civile en fonction des t'as sympathie en vers les populations visées , ou condamne tu les attaques en vers les civiles quelles quel soit?

Je crois pas que les US larguent sciemment des bombes sur les villages afghans pour faire des cadavres, il y a souvent une raison lié à la présence talibane...

Vas dire cela aux personnes qui ont perdue un bras/une jambe ou/et qui ont vue leurs enfants/femmes/mari ....etc...mourir sous les bombes de la coalition ça leurs faira une belle jambe sans movais jeu de mots.

[kotai]

Donc en suivant t'as logique ,quand le FLN tué des civiles français lors de la guerre d'algerie , c'etait justifié?L'armée française n'avait donc aucune justification a repliquer ?????  :O

Il faudra que tu m'expliques t'as vision des chose ,condamnes tu le terrorisme ou les attaques en vers les civile en fonction des t'as sympathie en vers les populations visées , ou condamne tu les attaques en vers les civiles quelles quel soit?

Vas dire cela aux personnes qui ont perdue un bras/une jambe ou/et qui ont vue leurs enfants/femmes/mari ....etc...mourir sous les bombes de la coalition ça leurs faira une belle jambe sans movais jeu de mots.

Le FLN n'est pas représentatif de la population algérienne, c'est un mouvement terroriste.

[sezen]

Le FLN n'est pas représentatif de la population algérienne, c'est un mouvement terroriste.

Lol pourquoi le PKK est representatif de la population Kurde peut etre?

[Fenrir]

Alors si FLN=PKK, l'armée turque mène bien une guerre coloniale dont de nombreux termes sont d'ailleurs repris "pacification", lutte contre le terrorisme, agissement d'une minorité d'illuminés alors que la majorité kurde veut la paix et la présence turque.

Bref la France avait tord de colonisé mais la Turquie à tous les droits de bombarder un peuple qui aspire à l'indépendance.

Le coups de divisions internes et donc de l'unification impossible, on pouvait aussi le faire en Algérie étant données les nombreuses populations différentes existantes.

Le FLN était dans son bon droit de poser des bombes par contre le PKK à totalement tord de faire cela.

Mais bon la colonisation et les massacres indignes semblent être le lot uniquement des pays occidentaux selon certains...

Le reste du monde n'étant que paix et lumière...

Deux poids deux mesures!

[sezen]

Le FLN était dans son bon droit de poser des bombes par contre le PKK à totalement tord de faire cela.

J'ai dis que le FLN avait eu raison de poser des bombes contre des civiles?? non.

De plus je ne faisais que  demander si pour toi c'etait ligitime ( pour le FLN) etant donné que tu l'air de cotionner les acts du pkk , surtout que c'etait une question et non une affirmation que je posais.

ça serai sympat de ne pas repondre a coté , et de donner ton avis franco.

Je t'ai donné le mien .

Deux poids deux mesures!

C'est marrant juste avant je te dis que je condamne tout act de violance en vers des civiles innocents quelque soit la cause , mais bien sur c'est moi qui fait du deux poids deux mesures.

Si non j'attend toujour t'as reponse.

"Il faudra que tu m'expliques t'as vision des chose ,condamnes tu le terrorisme ou les attaques en vers les civile en fonction des t'as sympathie en vers les populations visées , ou condamne tu les attaques en vers les civiles quelles quel soit?"

EDIT: Une certeine autonomie un peut comme en espagne pour les regions , pour le kurdistan turque ne serait pas forcement un mal , et permeterait peut etre de calmer certeins esprits.

[Fenrir]

Ce que je vois surtout c'est que certains pays colonisés ont eu raison de se battre pour leurs indépendances et ces mêmes pays plus tard cautionnent la politique turque vis à vis des kurdes.

huhu

Diantre que de HS...

[sezen]

Ce que je vois surtout c'est que certains pays colonisés ont eu raison de se battre pour leurs indépendances et ces mêmes pays plus tard cautionnent la politique turque vis à vis des kurdes.

huhu

Diantre que de HS...

Je n'aurait pas eu ma reponse  :'( .

Si non ces méme kurdes qui se sont plain d'etre orpimés , opriment a leurs tour les minaurités turkménes et dans certein cas d'autres kurde(les yezedis) qui ne leurs on rien  fait donc niveau hyppocrisie je pense que d'un coté comme de l'autre ils se valent .

Allez Fin Du HS pour moi , sauf si tu me faisais l'agréable surprise de repondre a ma question  =D .

Allez bonne nuit !

[jeanmi]

L'armée française s'engage de plus en plus dans le bourbier afghan. Le ministre de la Défense Hervé Morin a annoncé mercredi, lors d'un sommet de l'Otan à Noordwick (Pays-Bas) que des troupes françaises allaient être envoyées l'an prochain dans la province d'Oruzgan, dans le sud du pays, là où les combats contre les talibans sont parmi les plus durs.

Une OMLT (Operationnal Mentoring Liaison Team) supplémentaire ira y encadrer l'Armée nationale afghane, qui combat aux côtés des Hollandais. Ce déploiement s'effectuera "courant 2008". Cette OMLT sera la cinquième du genre, mais ses effectifs pourraient être supérieurs à ceux des équipes déjà existantes, de l'ordre d'une cinquantaine d'hommes.

http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/

[Manu]

Un article plus détaillé pour compléter :

La France accroît son effort pour l'Afghanistan, pas pour l'Otan

[2007-10-25 14:13]

par Yves Clarisse

NOORDWIJK, Pays-Bas (Reuters) - La France a décidé d'accroître sa contribution à la force de l'Otan en Afghanistan pour pacifier le pays, mais ce geste ne s'inscrit pas dans sa stratégie de rapprochement avec l'Alliance atlantique, a déclaré jeudi le ministre français de la Défense.

Hervé Morin a confirmé lors d'une conférence de presse qu'il avait annoncé à ses homologues de l'Otan réunis aux Pays-Bas l'envoi d'une équipe destinée à former l'armée afghane dans le sud du pays, où les taliban sont de plus en plus actifs.

"Nous avions une demande des Néerlandais, qui sont dans le sud de l'Afghanistan, pour leur prêter main forte dans une zone difficile pour former les soldats de l'armée afghane", a-t-il expliqué sans préciser le nombre de "formateurs" français.

Selon des sources de la délégation française, il s'agira d'une cinquantaine d'hommes qui viendront s'ajouter aux 1.100 soldats français de la Force internationale de stabilisation en l'Afghanistan (Isaf), forte désormais de plus de 41.000 hommes, et aux six avions de combat basés à Kandahar, aussi dans le Sud.

"Cet effort est fait pour clairement indiquer aux 37 pays de l'Isaf que ce n'est pas le moment de baisser les bras", a ajouté Hervé Morin. "Je crois vraiment qu'on est sur un plateau et à ce moment-là chacun doit faire un effort."

Le président Nicolas Sarkozy a ainsi répondu à une demande pressante du gouvernement néerlandais et des Etats-Unis, qui exhortent leurs alliés à accroître leurs contributions pour permettre à l'armée afghane de prendre le relais de l'Isaf dans les combats.

"EFFET DOMINO"

Les Pays-Bas étudient en ce moment l'opportunité d'étendre au-delà du mois d'août le mandat de leurs 1.600 hommes déployés dans le Sud, ce qui ne manquerait pas d'avoir un impact sur la présence des Canadiens dans ce même "secteur chaud".

Le gouvernement de La Haye qui, avec les Etats-Unis, le Canada, le Royaume-Uni et l'Allemagne, consent un effort particulièrement important, est confronté à une opinion et un Parlement hostiles au maintien de cette présence et espère que d'autres pays lui permettront d'alléger son fardeau.

Un retrait total n'est pas exclu par les Néerlandais.

La décision française constitue "un message d'amitié adressé aux Néerlandais et un message politique dans le cadre de leur débat au Parlement", a souligné le ministre français.

"Le signal que donnerait un pays en réduisant ses forces serait un signe extrêmement négatif pour la totalité des pays engagés en Afghanistan", a-t-il ajouté en craignant un "effet domino" qui aurait un impact désastreux.

Si l'opinion américaine ne conteste pas la nécessité de combattre les taliban en raison des attentats de 2001 contre les tours jumelles de New York, "pour beaucoup de nos compatriotes, l'Afghanistan c'est très loin", a dit Morin.

Mais il s'agit d'une décision uniquement motivée par la situation en Afghanistan et il ne faut pas la voir comme un premier signe concret de la volonté exprimée par le nouveau président français d'un rapprochement entre la France et l'Otan, dont elle a quitté le commandement intégré en 1966.

UNE AFFAIRE PUREMENT AFGHANE

"C'est cette seule grille de lecture qu'il faut avoir. Cela n'a rien à voir avec la relation avec l'Otan. C'est une affaire afghane", a précisé le ministre français.

Ce dernier a déclaré que ce rapprochement, qui verrait la France reprendre toute sa place au sein de l'Otan, dépendrait d'une accélération de la construction d'une Europe de la défense.

"J'ai expliqué que notre priorité, c'était l'Europe de la défense", a-t-il dit après avoir rencontré en tête-à-tête le secrétaire américain à la Défense, Robert Gates.

Selon des sources françaises, cette réunion s'est déroulée dans un climat très positif qui montre que les Etats-Unis comprennent et soutiennent cette volonté.

Hervé Morin a souhaité "retrouver la vigueur de 1998", lorsque la France et le Royaume-Uni avaient décidé à Saint-Malo de conjuguer leurs efforts en matière de défense européenne.

Depuis, les Britanniques semblent toutefois de plus en plus réticents mais, selon Paris, les choses pourraient changer.

"J'ai le sentiment qu'il y a une prise de conscience sur la nécessité d'avancer beaucoup plus rapidement sur l'Europe de la défense", a déclaré le ministre centriste.

Pour y parvenir, il faudra accroître les moyens du centre de planification et de commandement au sein de l'UE alors que le Royaume-Uni s'y oppose pour l'instant de peur d'une rivalité avec l'Otan, qui reste pour lui le socle de la défense.

http://actualite.free.fr/france/3_2007-10-25T141325Z_01_CHE543947_RTRIDST_0_OFRTP-OTAN-AFGHANISTAN-FRANCE-20071025.html

[jeanmi]

Le déploiement d’appareils de combat à Kandahar vise à améliorer l’efficacité au travers du partage des tâches de soutien avec nos alliés et à garantir une meilleure réactivité en se rapprochant des zones d’opérations. L’évolution du dispositif a permis de rapatrier une cinquantaine de personnes ainsi qu’un des deux ravitailleurs stationnés à Manas. Un détachement reste présent à Douchanbé pour le soutien logistique. Les missions assurées par nos forces vont de la présence en vol au tir de munitions de précision, soit de manière autonome en cas de détection d’objectifs le justifiant, soit à la demande des forces engagées au sol, qu’elles soient afghanes ou appartiennent à la coalition. Dans le cas d’une demande d’appui aérien, une attention toute particulière est portée à l’analyse de la situation et aux conséquences d’une frappe. Dans bien des cas, une démonstration de puissance à basse altitude suffit à faire comprendre aux assaillants qu’il vaut mieux renoncer. Les appareils français assurent de quatre à six vols par jour et un à deux tirs ont lieu chaque semaine.

http://www.assemblee-nationale.fr/13/cr-cdef/07-08/c0708012.asp#P5_250[s

[Manu]

Le Danemark envoie des Léopard 2A5 en Afghanistan :

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=122555

[Invité Rob]

Le paix pour l'Afghanistan est possible et maintenant il est le temps pour faire des actions ou "be judged by history", je suis "proud" du travail qui est fait par nos 7700 soldats la. Beaucoup des pays du NATO besoin faire plus, quand je pense que nous avons le Territorial Army en Afghanistan et quelques autres pays fait presque rien.

Royal Marines commence une strategie de security a Helmland.

Commandos Start Developing Security in Helmand

The Commandos from Delta Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines have started to establish security in the town of Now Zad, Northern Helmand.

Over the past week the Royal Marines have taken over control of the Battle Group North from The Royal Anglian Regiment.  During the Anglian’s time within Helmand they successfully established security within the town of Sangin.  Looking to build on this achievement the Commandos have begun patrolling within the troubled town of Now Zad.

A District Compound has been in place within Now Zad since 2006 when UK forces first deployed on their mission to Helmand Province.  Since then, with the focus on other key towns within Helmand, progress has been limited.  However, with the arrival of the Royal Marines regular patrols to re-assure the local population have been established.  The Commandos are determined to demonstrate to the citizens of Now Zad that the UK mission to Afghanistan in support to the Afghan Authorities can bring real benefits in developing their communities.

Now Zad has been a key centre in the drugs and arms trade that has helped maintain the Taleban military effort and as such is of strategic importance to the insurgents.  Delta Company’s patrols are a clear visual message that the Taleban can no longer see the town as theirs, and is the beginning in establishing a secure environment for the population.

Lt Andy McLachlan said:

“The establishment of patrols within Now Zad is a significant step forward.  No one underestimates the task ahead but these patrols send a clear message that we are here to support the local community.  The successes achieved by British troops in Sangin have set a clear precedence of what can be achieved when the local population and the security forces work together against the insurgents.  We hope to replicate that success here in Now Zad.”

The Commanding Officer, Lt Col Stuart Birrell, added:

“We have laid down our cards from the start.  We are here to make a difference.  Working alongside the Afghan Authorities we will push to deliver further progress across Northern Helmand.  Achievements will be measured by how we improve the lives of the ordinary Afghans.  The work started in Sangin and continuing under the Marines of 40 Commando is testament to what can be achieved when working in unison with the local authorities.”

The Royal Marines from 40 Commando based in Taunton have recently arrived in Afghanistan and will be operating in Northern Helmand for a 6 month tour of duty.  They are working within 52 Infantry Brigade and are working alongside the Royal Marines of the Armoured Support Group and their colleagues from the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm.

Link.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/ConMediaFile.33365

12 Mechanized Brigade, maintenant remplacer par 52 Infantry Brigade, fait son part pour le paix en tout l'Afghanistan.

12 Mechanized Brigade: They beat the Taliban and they beat them well (VIDEO)

25 Oct 07

Six months ago the town of Sangin was controlled by the Taliban and the small ISAF unit there was under siege. But as 12 Mechanized Brigade’s six month deployment to Afghanistan came to an end yesterday, the town is thriving once again with a Governor and Chief of Police, and throughout Helmand the Taliban have been put on the back foot.

Before and After: Sangin six months ago was a war zone where the local population feared for their lives. After operations against the Taliban by 12 Mech Bde the bazaar is thriving again and there is an over-riding sense of hope and optimism

[Picture: MOD]

The last units from 12 Mech Bde left Afghanistan yesterday, Wednesday 24 October 2007, after a six month deployment which began with the Taliban building up for an offensive against ISAF and the Afghan National Security Forces but ended with the enemy beaten back after a series of operations which saw fierce fighting in soaring heat and tough terrain.

Talking yesterday at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow about the fight the Brigade took to the Taliban over the last six months, Brigadier John Lorimer, Commander of 12 Mech Bde said:

"The fighting was tough and the terrain and climatic conditions made it even tougher. The temperature hit 50 degrees during the peak of the brutal summer months.

"The enemy was cunning, determined and ruthless, utilising every terrorist tactic against us, the Afghan soldiers and police and the representatives of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

"However, every time we closed with the enemy, we beat him – and beat him well. This was down to first class junior level commanders, well trained and motivated soldiers, excellent equipment and outstanding multinational support."

See Related Links>>> to watch video footage of the Light Dragoons on operations in Afghanistan (both .wmv and .mov formats are available)

2nd Battallion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) return to Cavalry Barracks from Afghanistan to be met by families and friends as they march on to their parade square

[Picture: Cpl G Moreno RLC]

Brigadier Lorimer was at Cavalry Barracks with the Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth to welcome home the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) who were in the vanguard of the Brigade's operations throughout Helmand.

Also arriving home from Helmand yesterday were B Company, the Light Dragoons, who arrived at their barracks in Norfolk last night to a heroes welcome from family members and friends festooned with banners and balloons.

The Dragoons, nicknamed England's Northern Cavalry, were based at Camp Bastion, where they conducted patrols in Scimitar and Spartan armoured vehicles, typically lasting for up to three weeks. B Company were in contact with the enemy on more than 40 occasions during their six month deployment with one battle lasting seven hours.

12 Mech Bde helped improve local governance in Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of Helmand with an estimated population of 85,000. and Gereshk, the second most important town in Helmand, helping provide an environment where the local population are able to return to their homes.

B company 2nd Mercians were primarily involved with increasing the security around Gereshk by clearing the Taliban out of the Upper Gereshk Valley. It is believed that over 200 Taliban fighters were killed in one intense operation alone - Op Leg Tufaan (Little Storm).

The operation allowed B Company, supported by the Afghan National Army, to establish a number of small defended compounds on the edge of the jungle-like Green Zone, a lush humid environment with crops towering over 8 feet high, heavily restricting views and arcs of fire.

A heroes welcome greets soldiers from B Squadron, The Light Dragoons as they return home to Robertson Barracks, Swanton Morley, Norfolk, from Operation Herrick

[Picture: Jon Bevan]

The enemy positions found here were all well sited, camouflaged and defended. The Taliban tried to attack B Company's defended positions every night, but were repelled each time through a combination of direct fire, mortars and when available, fast jets and attacks helicopters. Where they had previously been operating at will the Taliban were now reduced to mounting indirect attacks only.

The Taliban were cleared from Sangin, historically a stronghold for them and an important focal point for the Opium trade, by A Company 2nd Mercians during Op Silver at the start of their deployment.

Although this did not prevent the Taliban from continuing to harass the security forces and local population, over time further intense operational activity conducted by A Company delivered significant change; from a war zone to bustling market town in a few weeks. Brigadier Lorimer said of Sangin:

"Six months ago, this town was held by the Taliban and the small ISAF unit was under siege on a daily basis in the District Centre. The local population was in fear of their lives and most had left the town. However, since we secured the town in April, the situation has completely changed – for the good.

"There are now genuine signs of tangible progress there: the town has a Governor and a Chief of Police; the bazaar is thriving; stabilisation projects and development programmes have been initiated; contractors are engaged on reconstruction tasks; and there is an over-riding sense of hope and optimism."

Brigadier John Lorimer, Commander 12 Mech Bde

[Picture: MOD]

Brigadier Lorimer acknowledged that some of the reconstruction work achieved has been though the "cooperation, coordination and integration" with the Uk's Foreign Office and Department for International Development staff. He also spoke about working very closely with the Afghan National Army:

"There is no doubt that it is improving and far more capable than it was one year ago. The relationships that we established with the Afghan officers and soldiers were strong and based on openness and mutual trust; we lived together and fought side by side. We leave Afghanistan with great memories of these brave soldiers.

"On the other hand, our work with the Afghan National Police is only just starting: our Police Mentoring Teams have now begun to train and mentor the local Afghan police in Helmand. It is early days, but the signs are positive."

The final weeks of 12 Mech Bde's deployment saw Op Palk Wahel (Sledgehammer Blow) further reduce the Taliban's presence in the Green Zone, with Warrior Armoured Vehicles providing a powerful and swift strike capability, the Royal Artillery ready to strike targets with devastatingly accurate and fierce indirect fire missions, and the Royal Engineers providing the ability to breach compound walls and promote rapid movement.

LCpl Jeff Day RLC returns to Cavalry Barracks from Helmand to meet his wife Stacey and son Ronnie

[Picture: Cpl G Moreno RLC]

But, Brigadier Lorimer conceded, the successes in Helmand have come at a cost:

"Over the last six months, 30 UK soldiers were killed during operations in Afghanistan, all but two in Helmand. Many of my soldiers have been wounded in action and flown back to UK. Some of them have suffered life changing injuries. Our main effort now that we have returned is to look after those soldiers who have been injured – both physically and psychologically – and their families.

"Our six-month deployment to Afghanistan has been both challenging and rewarding. It has been a real team effort and no one unit stands out. All of them have contributed to the progress that has been made.

"We leave Afghanistan with a feeling of quiet professional satisfaction that we have done a good job in challenging circumstances, recognising the fact that there is much more to be done over the next few years. The authority and influence of the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has been extended, and we have given the people of Helmand Province a glimpse of a better future."

12 Mech Bde have now been replaced in theatre by 52 Infantry Brigade.

Link.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/12MechanizedBrigadeTheyBeatTheTalibanAndTheyBeatThemWellvideo.htm

Les Warriors aident nos soldats et nos freres en combat, les Danois.

Warriors give Taliban "a pasting"

15 Oct 07

The area around Forward Operating Base (FOB) Arnhem has seen continual fighting over the last 12 months and until recently was a Taliban stronghold. That was, until a new type of Warrior arrived in the neighbourhood, and one that is giving local villagers the confidence to come home.

Warrior Infantry Armoured Fighting Vehicles from Right Flank, 1st Battalion, Scots Guards provide overwatch on the edge of the Green Zone

[Picture: SAC Oliver Brant RAF]

Right Flank 1st Battalion Scots Guards, an armoured infantry company commanded by Major Chris Bell is the first unit in Afghanistan to be using the Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicles on a major deployment.

See Related Links >>> for more pictures of Right Flank 1st Battalion Scots Guards and their Warrior Infantry Armoured Fighting Vehicles in southern Afghanistan.

The Guards have been at FOB Arnhem, the front line of the International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) operations against the Taliban in southern Helmand province, since early September.

The base was built in August and overlooks an agricultural area several kilometres wide known as the 'green zone'. Arnhem has unfettered views into the area within which the Taliban had been  operating at will.

But the Taliban have left the area after initial incursions by ISAF into the zone were followed up time and time again, culminating in Op PALK WAHEL which saw the Taliban squeezed between 2 battle groups and forced out. Right Flank played a major part providing mobility and fire support to both battle groups.

FOB Arnhem was the first in a series of bases to be built along the zone providing an enduring presence and the security required to enable the Afghan farmers to return to their compounds with their families.

'Dismounts' and Warrior Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicles work in harmony to provide security in and around the Green Zone

[Picture: SAC Oliver Brant RAF]

The Locals are also beginning to respond to the continual presence of troops by providing "tit bits" of intelligence. Bombardier Steven Renwick describes being told by one local which side of a track to patrol on to avoid Taliban mines.

But the most significant development, backing up these successes, according to the Scots Guards has been the introduction of the Warrior Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle. Major Chris Bell explains the Warriors' role in recent operations:

"It brings fire power, mobility and protection for those who are in it. We are able to provide fire support in places where it is needed, particularly for dismounted troops going into dangerous situations."

Guardsman Brown summarises the same capability:

"Basically since we arrived the Warriors have given the Taliban a pasting. We haven't seen much of them since."

Troops leave FOB Arnhem in the Warrior vehicles to move to their objective area, this means the company has a far greater effective footprint than a non-mechanised unit. Although the majority of the work is completed on foot, moving through the network of compounds in and around the green zone, looking for signs of Taliban activity and potential booby traps or Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), the Warriors provide an 'overwatch.'

"Basically since we arrived the Warriors have given the Taliban a pasting. We haven't seen much of them since."

Guardsman Brown

They use their optical and thermal sights to scan the horizon, ready at immediate notice to provide covering fire in case of an incident. Their enduring presence is a comfort to the soldiers on the ground who are more than aware of the Warriors' impressive firepower. Occasionally the dismounts, as the patrolling soldiers are referred to, and Warrior rendezvous. Together they then dash across areas of open ground to the next series of compounds and the process begins again.

Getting rid of unexploded ordinance is one part of making the area safe for civilians to move back into the area. Major Chris Bell adds:

"I think it's a difficult job and I think the key is even when things get militarily intense, we must remember we are in a counter insurgency environment and that the root to victory lies in the minds of the people of Afghanistan and whether they support our efforts."

To assist in this aim the daily patrols are accompanied by Development and Influence Teams (DIT) commanded by Captain Michael Bedixen of the Danish Royal Life Guards:

"Our main task is to go out and integrate with the locals in the area... get a feel on the situation, identify future projects that we could initiate... building schools, bridges, roads...try to get society up again."

Captain Michael Bendixen, Danish Royal Life Guards interviews a local Afghan farmer returning to the Green Zone near Hyderabad for the first time in four years

[Picture: SAC Oliver Brant RAF]

The patrols encounter several families of farmers returning to the area. Captain Michael Bendixen has interviewed some of the elders and discovered that it is the first time some have encountered ISAF troops, having fled from the area four years before. Details of the local ISAF development team and how to claim compensation or request aid are left for the newly returned villagers.

On a recent patrol, while the DIT conducted their business, the soldiers chatted and played with the children, giving them gifts of ration pack boiled sweets and biscuits, which were secreted away for later, it is still Ramadan.

Ever vigilant, the Warrior vehicles sit passively in the background watching and protecting her cargo of dismounted personnel and sending a clear message to any Taliban who happen to be in the area. They are here to stay!

But despite the vehicle's success, the soldiers are not complacent. They continue the relentless task of watching over the zone, patrolling day and night to ensure that the Taliban do not have the freedom to manoeuvre or threaten the signs of recovery in local villages over the last weeks.

Link.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/WarriorsGiveTalibanaPasting.htm

[Invité Rob]

Le "homefront" fait son part, le City of London donne nos Territorial Army (Somme Company du London Regiment) soldiers un bon retourne.

Hundreds of family members greet London Soldiers' homecoming

15 Oct 07

Soldiers of Somme Company, London Regiment, were greeted by around 750 family members and colleagues as they made their Afghanistan homecoming parade at London's Guildhall yesterday, 14 October 2007.

Soldiers of the London Regiment are presented with medals by the Lord Mayor during the parade

[Picture: Sergeant Mick Howard RLC]

The one hundred and forty soldiers, largely members of the Territorial Army from London, were greeted by the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman John Stuttard, and many of the soldiers met with their families for the first time since returning to the UK.

During the parade the Lord Mayor and the General Officer Commanding London District and Commander Household Division, Major General 'Bill' Cubitt, and other senior officers, presented operational medals to every member of Somme Company present, including those wounded during the six-month tour.

Somme Company, comprising 76 members of the London Regiment, 29 soldiers of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, 20 other TA soldiers, 10 Regular Army Reservists and five airmen of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, has spent six months supporting 12 Mechanised Brigade in its operations against the Taliban. This is the first time a TA Infantry Company has integrated and effectively used large numbers of Regular soldiers under TA command on operations.

The parade was organised at the invitation of the Lord Mayor before the recent public debate on 'homecoming parades'. The City and its Livery Companies have always been extremely supportive of the Armed Forces and have many strong connections with individual units.

Crowds await the arrival of soldiers from Somme Company at the City of London Guildhall

[Picture: Sergeant Mick Howard RLC]

Major Giles Morgan, an officer with London Regiment, said:

"The parade was absolutely brilliant. It was the first time families had seen their loved ones for a long time so it was a very proud moment. It was very emotional. For the guys back from Afghanistan it was a critical part of their normalisation and also great for the families to be able to come out and show their appreciation, waving the flags etc."

Deployed as the Force Protection Company for Camp Bastion in April 2007, Somme Company was eventually involved in every aspect of 12 Mechanised Brigade's tour. Roles included the provision of the Immediate Response Team and the protection for helicopter-borne medical teams. In six months the company took part in 200 evacuation missions, often under fire.

Also, Rifle Platoons deployed forward to work alongside their Regular counterparts on offensive operations and, independently, they most recently acted as mentors to units of the Afghan National Police.

The parade paid tribute to Guardsman Daryl Hickey of the Grenadier Guards who sadly was killed in action while attached to Somme Company.

After the parade there were many emotional scenes as the soldiers were reunited with their families: Lance Corporal Field even proposed to his girlfriend and Corporal Jason Turner met his daughter, Shay, for the first time as she was born while he was away.

Major Morgan added:

"Within about two months of the tour, the company had spread out all over Helmand, and so have hardly been together for three months. It's also therefore so nice to be seen off as a company all together and march off with heads high."

Link.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/HundredsOfFamilyMembersGreetLondonSoldiersHomecoming.htm

Le RAF et RN ont 10 Harriers en Afghanistan.

100ft at 500mph: Harriers in their element over Taliban heads

10 Oct 07

Harriers have been operating out of Kandahar as a coalition asset since 2004, but their potential as ground-attack aircraft was rarely exploited until last year, when the responsibility for taming the Taliban in Helmand passed to British control.

A Harrier GR7A in flight over the mountains in Afghanistan

[Picture: RAF]

Although the Joint Force Harrier's based at Kandahar support all coalition operations in Afghanistan, as many as 80 per cent of offensive missions undertaken by them are in support of British troops, or British-led foreign troops.

The Harriers main job is to provide air cover to troops on the ground - both Coalition and Afghan - and 4 Squadron takes its orders from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

"A lot of people don't realise we're here as a theatre asset," said Squadron Leader Damian Killeen, Executive Officer of 4 Squadron. "So we're tasked according to the various nations' requirements and priorities.

   

"Up to 80 per cent of our business happens to be over in Helmand at the moment, but we don't have the freedom to choose when we get airborne. Sometimes the troops get frustrated: 'Where are the Harriers?' But if it was our choice, we'd be there all the time."

Harrier sorties can be pre-planned or urgent scrambles to assist troops in firefights. Pre-planned missions require that pilots make most of the operational decisions but emergency calls may mean that men on the ground direct attacks.

A Harrier GR7

[Picture: RAF]

Reporter Roy Bacon visited Kandahar in August, when the Harriers were operated by the RAF's 4 Squadron.

Squadron Leader Killeen explained:

"A qualified air controller on the ground involved in a major situation - perhaps under heavy machine gun fire - can request that a laser-guided bomb is dropped straight on a target. He will be trained to estimate the likely collateral damage and asess risk to his guys."

Sometimes a presence at altitude is enough to drive off the enemy. If that fails, a show of force can do the trick.

"That’s 100 feet at about 500 mph," continued Squadron Leader Killeen. "They don't know it's coming, and when it does, it's bloody loud."

With their ability to operate in rugged conditions with a short take

off capability, Joint Force Harrier was the obvious choice for Op Herrick.

"No other fast jet could have operated from here," Squadron Leader Killeen concluded. "This is what the Harrier was designed for: expeditionary operations, close air support and the full mix of weapons."

The Royal Navy's Naval Strike Wing have since taken over command of the Joint Force Harriers at Kandahar, continuing the .

This article appears in the November 2007 edition of Defence Focus, official news magazine of the UK Ministry of Defence.

Link.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/100ftAt500mphHarriersInTheirElementOverTalibanHeads.htm

[Invité Rob]

Les forces britanniques en l'Afghanistan, les forces du SBS ne sont pas listed, mais il est connu que le SBS est responsable pour l'Afghanistan et le SAS pour l'Iraq.

Helmand

    * 52 Infantry Brigade Headquarters

    * 258 Signal Squadron, Royal Signals

    * 228 Signal Squadron, Royal Signals

    * Armoured Support Group, Royal Marines

    * Second Royal Tank Regiment

    * 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment

    * 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards

    * 1st Battalion The Scots Guards

    * 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters

    * 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh

    * 5th Regiment Royal Artillery

    * 19th Regiment Royal Artillery

    * 39th Regiment Royal Artillery

    * Light Dragoons

    * 26 Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers

    * 2 Signal Regiment Royal Signals

    * 4 Logistic Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps

    * 4 General Support Medical Regiment Royal Army Medical Corps

Kandahar

    * 846 Naval Air Squadron

    * 3 Regiment Army Air Corps

    * 9 Regiment Army Air Corps

    * 1 (Fighter) Squadron, Royal Air Force, operating the GR7 Harriers

    * 4 (Army Co-operation) Squadron, Royal Air Force, operating the GR7 Harriers

    * 18 Squadron Royal Air Force, operating CH47 Chinook helicopters

    * 24 Squadron Royal Air Force, operating C130 Hercules transport aircraft

    * 27 Squadron Royal Air Force, operating CH47 Chinook helicopters

    * 30 Squadron Royal Air Force, operating C130 Hercules transport aircraft

    * 70 Squadron Royal Air Force, operating C130 Hercules transport aircraft

    * 47 Squadron Royal Air Force, operating C130 Hercules transport aircraft

    * 3 Force Protection Wing Headquarters, Royal Air Force

    * 5 Force Protection Wing Headquarters, Royal Air Force

    * 7 Force Protection Wing Headquarters, Royal Air Force

    * II Squadron Royal Air Force, Royal Air Force Regiment

    * 15 Squadron Royal Air Force, Royal Air Force Regiment

    * 51 Squadron Royal Air Force, Royal Air Force Regiment