RAF gunners seize Taliban weapons cache

East Anglian gunners have seized a hoard of almost 1,000 weapons from a Talban hiding place outside Kandahar in their biggest operation to date.

Men from 27 Squadron RAF Regiment, based at RAF Honington, carried out the mission near the southern Afghan city on Tuesday after intelligence was gathered from locals.

EDP reporter Ben Kendall and photographer Antony Kelly joined the 30-man B-flight, many from Norfolk, on the operation.

The weapons were found in an abandoned textile factory on the outskirts of the city. It is situated on Afghanistan's main supply route; insurgents regularly target the strategically important Highway Four.

Flt Lt Peter Hammond, patrol commander, said: “We received information that there were between 50 and 1,000 insurgent weapons being stored at the target.

“When we got there it was far closer to 1,000. They were in various states of repair but there is no doubt that many of them could have been used in attacks on our forces.

“It is part of our agreement with locals that if they give us information we will act on it to make the region a safer place for them to live and a safer place for our troops to do their job.”

The squadron regularly uncovers improvised explosive devices (IEDs) - an average of 12 each month - and other weapons but Flt Lt Hammond said this was the largest operation of their six-month tour.

The 15km journey to the site took more than an hour as the eight-vehicle convoy was forced to stop repeatedly to scan the road for bombs which may have been planted along the route.

Before entering the warehouse the flight, who were joined by American bomb specialists, checked there was no risk of booby traps or ambush.

Dog handler L/Cpl Adam 'Spike' Millikan and Springer Spaniel Jake, trained in detecting explosives, were the first to enter the building. Fortunately the raid passed without any confrontation.

Locals gathered around to watch the operation. Speaking through an interpreter, villager Torjaan said: “Things have been much better since these men have been in the province.

“I am pleased that they have been able to take these weapons away so that our village can live in peace.”

The squadron is currently responsible for policing 500 square kilometres to protect Kandahar airfield, home to some 20,000 coalition personnel.

They spend much of their time living beyond the wire in basic conditions - no running water and living off ration packs - on remote patrol bases.

But squadron members said their hard work was beginning to pay off as they see an improvement in the region's stability.

Sgt Andy Jones, from Watton, said: “There is a real threat from IEDs out there and also from rockets beyond the base perimeter.

“But we are detecting more and more. This means the base is secure, allowing coalition troops to do their job and, when we speak to locals, they seem to appreciate the difference we are making.”

Half of the guns were taken away to be examined and decommissioned while the other half were burned on-site.

The squadron of about 150 will return to Honington in January.

20 NATO Countries to Send More Troops to Afghanistan

NATO says more than 20 countries plan to increase troop levels in Afghanistan, following US President Obama's increased commitment to the war.

NATO says at least 20 countries plan to increase their troop levels in Afghanistan, following U.S. President Barack Obama's announcement of a 30,000-troop boost to the war-torn nation.

NATO spokesman James Appathurai told reporters NATO members had shown a clear determination to support President Barack Obama's strategy in Afghanistan - not just through rhetoric, but by dispatching more troops.

"I can confirm we have now well over 20 countries that are indicating or have already indicated they intend to increase the amounts of forces they have in the country - in Afghanistan. This is on top of the 38,000 (troops from other NATO members and allies) that are already there, taking into account a doubling over the past two years," he said.

Apparthurai said that based on discussions over the past two days, non-U.S. troop contributions to Afghanistan would easily surpass the 5,000 soldiers NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen had predicted.

The reinforcements could bring total troop numbers to 140,00 or more.
Apparthurai's spoke at the start of a two-day NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels.

While many European countries have hailed Mr. Obama's planned troop increase, Germany and France in particular have not come forward with any new troop pledges of their own.

But several other NATO members, notably Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have reportedly agreed to boost their troop commitments.

The NATO meeting will also focus on another key issue - sending trainers to Afghanistan to increase the numbers and capacity of the Afghan military and police force.

Spokesman Apathurai:

"What you will hear out of this ministerial is a very strong endorsement of the transition [ie to Afghan security forces] - of the need to transition and the need to resource transition," he explained. "So I expect that this ministerial will give new impetus to precisely to this area that you mentioned - which is training. Because that is the way to make transition a reality," he said.

The foreign ministers discussed progress by Georgia and Ukraine toward eventual NATO membership.

Afganistan is expected to dominate Friday's agenda, and Mrs. Clinton will brief ministers on the administration's strategy. The ministers will also hold talks on new areas of cooperation with Russia, and the new U.S. approach to missile defense.

Prince Charles honours Notts soldiers

By Tanya Holden

After their return from a gruelling six-month tour in Afghanistan, 80 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) have been presented with campaign medals by their Colonel-in-Chief, Prince Charles. It was a day of reflection and remembrance for their five comrades who died in Helmand Province.

FAMILIES watched proudly as the Prince of Wales presented their sons and daughters with their Afghanistan service medals yesterday.

This was the first time that the Queen's Norfolk residence, Sandringham House, was used for such a ceremony.

The 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (known as the Woofers) includes soldiers from Notts, and among those collecting medals were some of the regiment's injured troops.

The soldiers marched into the courtyard led by the Band of the Parachute Regiment, and lined up in front of Sandringham House's main entrance. They were joined by the Regimental Mascot, a ram known as Private Derby 29.

Prince Charles spent around 45 minutes chatting to the soldiers and presenting them with their medals. One of them was Private Dean Housley, 25, from Heanor, who lost his leg when a homemade bomb went off during a patrol.

He said: "Prince Charles asked how I was and said he was very proud. It made me proud to get my medal personally from him. I'll make a good recovery and will walk pretty normally again."

His dad, Paul Housley, said: "We are extremely proud and can't praise him enough."

Afterwards Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles spent time chatting with servicemen and their families at a Royal reception, held in the house's ballroom.

Read the full report here on Nottingham.co.uk

Italy 'to send 1,000 extra troops' to Afghanistan - BBC

Italy is to send about 1,000 extra troops to Afghanistan, say reports.

The move comes two days after US President Barack Obama announced that America was sending 30,000 more forces to Afghanistan to fight the Taliban.

Mr Obama has asked Nato allies to increase their deployments in Afghanistan, but several European nations are reluctant to do so.

The alliance's foreign ministers are meeting in Brussels for two days of talks set to focus on the US request.

In an interview published on Thursday, Italy's Defence Minister, Ignazio La Russa, confirmed reports that Rome would send about 1,000 extra soldiers to the country.

Mr La Russa told the Corriere della Sera newspaper suggestions in the media that 1,500 soldiers could be sent were "just a hypothesis".

He said the figure was "a maximum quota which we would never reach", reported Reuters news agency.

Italy currently has 3,200 soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said the conflict was a test of Nato's "credibility" and that it was "clear that Italy must finish the job started with Nato".

For the full report click here for BBC online

Kim Sengupta: Marines give their verdict on Obama's troop surge

A surge in US troops has been welcomed on the front line. Our correspondent hears the reaction

Barack Obama's decision to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan was met with satisfaction yesterday from the US Marines who are set to take the lead role in the new string of offensives about to unroll in Helmand province.

The Marines, who have been at the cutting edge of the fighting since their arrival in southern Afghanistan, are about to embark on a number of operations that were put on hold as the president mulled over his decision. Colonel Martin Wetterauer, a battalion commander, said he was content with an approach that aims to help forces hold on to territory after it is won. He said: "The extra troops will mean that we can carry out our operations quicker, make more areas under Afghan government control, and also speed up the training of Afghan security forces, which would also mean that we can leave this country earlier having finished our mission.

"At the moment the Taliban claim that they control large portions of the Helmand river valley. If we can move them it will not only mean that they have less control, but it would be something of great symbolic significance for the Afghan people as well."

There are already around 11,000 American troops in Helmand, most of them Marines, with another 9,000 due to arrive soon. That force will easily outnumber the British contingent of 9,200, which is being augmented by 500 more in the coming weeks. In the past, a lack of numbers has prevented British forces from keeping vital ground they have taken. The plans in place now involve clearing Taliban forces out of areas under their control and then holding them, a process that would get an enormous boost from further reinforcements.

The reinforcements were welcomed by rank-and-file Marines involved in frontline action. "We need the tools to do the job, it is as simple as that. The extra forces coming would certainly help," said Gunner Sergeant Will Abernathy, a veteran of 14 years who is based at the American Camp Leatherneck.

"We know the problem here in Helmand. We Marines don't give up ground, we hold it, and that is what we are going to keep on doing. This is not a reflection on the British, who did very well, fought bravely. But at the end of the day, numbers count."

A veteran of two tours of Iraq, Sgt Abernathy finishes his tour in a week having been based at Naw Zad, a town that has seen fierce clashes and parts of which remain in Taliban hands. "It can be turned around, but it'll take a lot of effort and a lot of resources, which is why the extra forces are welcome.

"It will be more difficult than Iraq. It'll take about 10 years to sort this out, so I'll be back here. Now, I am now just glad I will be going home."

Sergeant Matthew Kramer, also an Iraq veteran and a Marine for 13 years, is a month into his tour. "We have been waiting for the president's decision. I am certainly glad it has come," he said. "We just want to get the job done and then leave the Afghans to themselves."

Just how soon the Marines go home will depend on how quickly the Afghan security forces are trained up. The US forces at Camp Leatherneck are training the Afghan police, who it is hoped will act as the lynchpin of a civic society.

"We have all these problems, one cannot deny that," said Lieutenant Colonel Shami Zakarullah. "But the training has been very poor in the past, some of the men have not received much training at all. That is why the course here in Leatherneck is so valuable. There should be more of these courses and I hope that the extra troops being sent by the Americans will help this. It is in the interest of the West to send more troops, stabilise the situation. It will help end the war."

Armed forces chief Jock Stirrup believes Afghanistan aims can be achieved

The long-term goals of the war in Afghanistan can be achieved with the extra troops now being put in place, head of the armed forces Sir Jock Stirrup said yesterday.

He was among more than 500 serving personnel, guests and bereaved relatives who gathered for a memorial and thanksgiving service at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast in honour of the Northern Ireland-based 19 Light Brigade recently returned from the war-zone.

The names of 83 fallen soldiers were read out during the ceremony, among them the two sappers shot dead by dissident republicans at a Co Antrim barracks last March hours before the troops were to be deployed.

The Chief of Defence Staff paid tribute to all the soldiers who had lost their lives, but with Britain committed to sending 500 extra troops and after the US pledged an extra 30,000, he said further progress could be made in Afghanistan under plans by Nato Commander General Stanley McChrystal.

"We are going to have hard times ahead, we are going to have sad times ahead," said the UK military leader.

But he added: "We have now a plan drawn-up by General McChrystal which is a coherent plan to deliver our longterm strategy.

"We now have the resources necessary for him to execute that plan.

"That is very important for all of us."

Read more: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Captain Doug Beattie: Those who have never been in Helmand give their view, but the soldiers are silent

It is absolutely clear that the campaign in Afghanistan, and in particular Helmand province, isn't fully understood by the UK population. They are force-fed a diet of soldiers dying in a faraway country for a cause they don't understand or believe in, without clear aims or even proper equipment.

In their eagerness to show support for the armed forces, they take out their frustrations on the Government's lack of strategy, they finger-point at the MoD and shout about poor equipment and battle plans. Ultimately, they cry for withdrawal of all British troops.

But what effect does this negativity have on the soldier getting ready to go to Afghanistan, and what effect does it have on the soldier living, fighting and working in Helmand on a day-to-day basis? "An unwinnable war," say some. "A price not worth paying," say others. "The military presence is making the whole situation in Afghanistan far worse."

These are all headlines the soldier can't understand, doesn't agree with and makes him feel that his efforts in Afghanistan are both misunderstood and not valued. The soldiers' voice remains silent, as those who have never been in Helmand give their analysis of how the campaign is developing and how badly we are doing.

In the isolated patrol bases, news reaches the men and women only sporadically. Newspapers, usually at least five to seven days old, carry the headlines of opinion polls saying troops should be pulled out, or that the Afghan people don't want us there. Numerous interviews with MPs seem to use the military as some kind of political football, in an attempt to either attack the Government or defend it. In doing so, they undermine the very men they are trying to support.

To those deployed to Helmand, the facts are simple: they are a force for good, they think the Government has the right strategy, they have a mission statement as well as clear aims, and they think we should stay in Afghanistan and will win. Their time is spent not just fighting but building, reconstructing, developing and conducting consent-winning activities. They help with security sector reform, transforming the Afghan army and police as they work beside the civil authorities – so where do the opinion polls come from?

It is easy to see the legacy of those who have fought and died in Afghanistan. It can be measured by men such as Major Sean Birchall of the Welsh Guards, who inspired a school to be refurbished in Basaran, central Helmand. Because of his work, and that of many others, children are going to school for the first time; schools built by British soldiers, protected by British soldiers and funded by the European community. If you look beyond the headlines, you might find many stories like this.

For those who think that attacking the Government's strategy on Afghanistan doesn't have a detrimental effect on the soldiers' morale, I can tell you that you are wrong. Nobody is expected to follow the Government's policy blindly, but it is incumbent on us all to find out the facts and not just believe the headlines.

If you get the chance, speak to those who have been there, take the time to investigate those headlines, hold to account those who argue that we are achieving nothing in Afghanistan. If we do not, then we are going to lose this campaign, not in the heat of another fighting season but in the bars and front rooms as we talk ourselves into failure. In doing so we belittle the sacrifice of those who served and continue to serve this country in Afghanistan.

Captain Doug Beattie served for 27 years in the British Army, including one tour of Iraq and two of Afghanistan, for which he was awarded the Military Cross. He has written two books, 'An Ordinary Soldier' and 'Task Force Helmand'. Click here for the story on the Independent website

Sergeant John Amer 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards killed in Afghanistan

It is with great regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death in Afghanistan, on Monday 30 November 2009, of Acting Sergeant John Paxton Amer, of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.

Acting Sergeant Amer died from wounds sustained as a result of an explosion that happened in the Babaji area, in central Helmand Province.

Acting Sergeant John Amer

Sergeant John Amer was an excellent soldier. His profession was ingrained in him and from the start of his career, he showed nothing short of enormous promise.

A Sunderland man, he enlisted on 17 October 1996 and after training joined Number 2 Company based at that time in Munster, Germany as part of an Armoured Infantry Battlegroup.

After cutting his teeth in the Armoured world he moved with the Battalion back to Windsor in 1998 to experience his first of many State Ceremonial occasions and Public Duties.

At the end of the year he deployed with his Company to the Falkland Islands to conduct a four-month tour. The tempo of life was fast and he learnt quickly. At such an early stage of his career he quickly marked out his plot as a future Non-Commissioned Officer.

A tour of Northern Ireland preceded promotion and he deployed to South Armagh on the Millennium Tour over the winter of 1999/2000. This was a busy tour for the Battalion and Sgt Amer conducted himself in an exemplary fashion.

Shortly after returning to Windsor he passed the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer cadre and set his career on the rails of success.

Whilst more Public Duties followed, the Battalion was soon preparing for operations once again, this time for a two-year residential tour to Londonderry in Number 1 Company.

This tour saw Sergeant Amer in his element and after a very short period as a Lance Corporal he attended the challenging Section Commanders' Battle Course in Brecon, a course he passed with ease.

On completion of the tour in Londonderry Sergeant Amer was promoted to Lance Sergeant and his presence in the Sergeants' Mess has been huge ever since.

He was posted to train recruits in Pirbright and after returning from there he passed the Platoon Sergeants' Battle Course before taking over his Platoon, once again in Number 1 Company. It was with this Platoon that he deployed to Afghanistan in early October 2009.

Sergeant Amer was a huge personality and a natural soldier. He was loved by his men, respected by his seniors and cherished by all.

Whether on parade at Buckingham Palace, teaching recruits in training, socialising in the Mess or, most recently,

training his Platoon and leading his Multiple on complex counter-insurgency operations, Sgt Amer was the consummate professional.

He was the epitome of a modern, caring, intelligent and hugely courageous Senior Non Commissioned Officer and he was forever a Coldstreamer.

It was fitting that Sergeant Amer died saving the life of one of his men, for it was for them that he served. Sergeant Amer will be missed forever and remembered for the many happy times.

The loss of his comrades is huge but nothing in comparison to his beloved wife Sue and his daughter Lisa, who are now coming to terms with their loss at this incredibly sensitive and difficult time.

Acting Sergeant Amer's widow, Mrs Sue Amer, paid the following tribute:

"I am devastated by the loss of my loving husband John. I have lost my true love, my heart has been broken. The whole world should know that John was the best father that our daughter could have wished for.

"This cruel world has taken a hero who touched the hearts of everyone he met, a very special man who brought joy and laughter. The Army was John's world, he was mine. He was my best friend, the pain of losing him is overwhelming."

New Afghan equipment has arrived... now send in 500 troops

By Bob Roberts , Mirror

Vital equipment to help our troops defeat the Taliban is now available, the MoD announced yesterday.

Defence secretary Bob Ainsworth said Merlin helicopters, mine protection vehicles and body armour are all ready for action.

It paves the way for an extra 500 British troops to be sent to Afghanistan this month.

Gordon Brown insisted the kit be in place as one of three conditions before deploying more troops.

Yesterday he confirmed all those had now been met. The move will boost the frontline total to 9,500 but the Prime Minister also revealed 500 elite SAS, SBS and Special Reconnaissance Regiment troops have already been sent out to target insurgents. It means Britain's force will be around 10,000 by the end of the year.

President Obama, who held a video conference with Mr Brown, is today expected to announce he will send an extra 30,000 US troops. And with eight other countries said to be offering another 5,000, Mr Ainsworth said: "It'll give them (our soldiers) the density they need to really take on the insurgents."

At a training facility in Norfolk, yesterday he disclosed a fleet of Merlin helicopters are on operations a month ahead of schedule. He said there are "almost twice as many" mine protection vehicles now with new tactical support vehicles complementing 5,000 sets of lighter Osprey body armour.