US Marines launch large offensive
By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU
Associated Press Writer
KABUL (AP) -- U.S. Marines and Afghan troops Friday launched the first offensive since President Barack Obama announced an American troop surge, striking against Taliban communications and supply lines in a southern insurgent stronghold, a military spokesman said.
Hundreds of troops from the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and the Marine reconnaissance unit Task Force Raider were dropped by helicopter and MV-22 Osprey aircraft behind Taliban lines in the northern end of the Now Zad Valley of Helmand province, scene of heavy fighting last summer, according to Marine spokesman Maj. William Pelletier.
A second, larger force pushed northward from the Marines' Forward Operating Base in the town of Now Zad, Pelletier said. Combat engineers were forcing a corridor through Taliban minefields with armored steamrollers and explosives, Pelletier said.
In all, about 1,000 Marines as well as Afghan troops were taking part in the operation, known as "Cobra's Anger," he said.
There were no reports of NATO casualties. The spokesman for the Afghan governor of Helmand province, Daood Ahmadi, said the bodies of four slain Taliban had been recovered. Ahmadi said 150 Afghan troops were taking part in the operation, which had located more than 300 mines and roadside bombs by Friday evening.
The operation began three days after Obama announced that he was sending 30,000 reinforcements to Afghanistan to help turn the tide against the Taliban. America's European allies will send an estimated 7,000 more troops to Afghanistan next year "with more to come," NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced Friday.
Most of the new troops are expected to be sent to southern Afghanistan, including Helmand, where Taliban influence is strongest.
The new offensive aims to cut off the Taliban communication routes through Helmand and disrupt their supply lines, especially those providing explosives for the numerous lethal roadside bombs, or improvised explosive devices, that litter the area, known by Marines as "IED Alley."
Pelletier said several arms caches and at least 400 pounds of explosive materials had been found so far Friday.
"Right now, the enemy is confused and disorganized," Pelletier said by telephone from Camp Leatherneck, the main Marines base in Helmand. "They're fighting, but not too effectively."
Pelletier said insurgents were caught off guard by the early morning air assault, the first using Ospreys, an aircraft that combines features of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
Now Zad used to be one of the largest towns in Helmand province, the center of Afghanistan's lucrative opium poppy growing industry.
However, three years of fighting have chased away Now Zad's 30,000 inhabitants, leaving the once-thriving market and commercial area a ghost town.
British troops who were once stationed there left graffiti dubbing the town "Apocalypse Now-Zad," a play on the title of the 1979 Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now. The British base was nearly overrun on several occasions with insurgents coming within yards (meters) of the protection wall. The area was handed over in 2008 to the Marines, who have struggled to reclaim much of the valley.
In August, the Marines launched their first large-scale offensive in the barren, wind-swept and opium-poppy growing valley surrounded by steep cliffs with dozens of caves providing cover to Taliban units.
More than 100 hardline insurgents are believed to operate in the area, their positions so solid that a fixed frontline runs just a few hundred yards (meters) north of the Marines' base, according to Associated Press reporters who were with the Marines there last summer.
Full Version: Nobel Laureate Escalates War
All the taliban have to do now is hide in their caves until the US pullout is complete in 2013, come out and declare victory.
QUOTE (SiberD @ Dec 4 2009, 10:48 AM) 
All the taliban have to do now is hide in their caves until the US pullout is complete in 2013, come out and declare victory.
I distinctly heard the Nobel Laureate say the plan includes recruiting the Taliban.
QUOTE (RF @ Dec 4 2009, 02:14 PM)
QUOTE (SiberD @ Dec 4 2009, 10:48 AM)
All the taliban have to do now is hide in their caves until the US pullout is complete in 2013, come out and declare victory.
I distinctly heard the Nobel Laureate say the plan includes recruiting the Taliban.
Yeah, but I don't think he has that much influence. After all, he couldn't even win in the balloting for the Heisman Trophy!!
QUOTE (RF @ Dec 4 2009, 03:32 PM)
US Marines launch large offensive
By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU
Associated Press Writer
KABUL (AP) -- U.S. Marines and Afghan troops Friday launched the first offensive since President Barack Obama announced an American troop surge, striking against Taliban communications and supply lines in a southern insurgent stronghold, a military spokesman said.
Hundreds of troops from the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and the Marine reconnaissance unit Task Force Raider were dropped by helicopter and MV-22 Osprey aircraft behind Taliban lines in the northern end of the Now Zad Valley of Helmand province, scene of heavy fighting last summer, according to Marine spokesman Maj. William Pelletier.
A second, larger force pushed northward from the Marines' Forward Operating Base in the town of Now Zad, Pelletier said. Combat engineers were forcing a corridor through Taliban minefields with armored steamrollers and explosives, Pelletier said.
In all, about 1,000 Marines as well as Afghan troops were taking part in the operation, known as "Cobra's Anger," he said.
There were no reports of NATO casualties. The spokesman for the Afghan governor of Helmand province, Daood Ahmadi, said the bodies of four slain Taliban had been recovered. Ahmadi said 150 Afghan troops were taking part in the operation, which had located more than 300 mines and roadside bombs by Friday evening.
The operation began three days after Obama announced that he was sending 30,000 reinforcements to Afghanistan to help turn the tide against the Taliban. America's European allies will send an estimated 7,000 more troops to Afghanistan next year "with more to come," NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced Friday.
Most of the new troops are expected to be sent to southern Afghanistan, including Helmand, where Taliban influence is strongest.
The new offensive aims to cut off the Taliban communication routes through Helmand and disrupt their supply lines, especially those providing explosives for the numerous lethal roadside bombs, or improvised explosive devices, that litter the area, known by Marines as "IED Alley."
Pelletier said several arms caches and at least 400 pounds of explosive materials had been found so far Friday.
"Right now, the enemy is confused and disorganized," Pelletier said by telephone from Camp Leatherneck, the main Marines base in Helmand. "They're fighting, but not too effectively."
Pelletier said insurgents were caught off guard by the early morning air assault, the first using Ospreys, an aircraft that combines features of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
Now Zad used to be one of the largest towns in Helmand province, the center of Afghanistan's lucrative opium poppy growing industry.
However, three years of fighting have chased away Now Zad's 30,000 inhabitants, leaving the once-thriving market and commercial area a ghost town.
British troops who were once stationed there left graffiti dubbing the town "Apocalypse Now-Zad," a play on the title of the 1979 Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now. The British base was nearly overrun on several occasions with insurgents coming within yards (meters) of the protection wall. The area was handed over in 2008 to the Marines, who have struggled to reclaim much of the valley.
In August, the Marines launched their first large-scale offensive in the barren, wind-swept and opium-poppy growing valley surrounded by steep cliffs with dozens of caves providing cover to Taliban units.
More than 100 hardline insurgents are believed to operate in the area, their positions so solid that a fixed frontline runs just a few hundred yards (meters) north of the Marines' base, according to Associated Press reporters who were with the Marines there last summer.
By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU
Associated Press Writer
KABUL (AP) -- U.S. Marines and Afghan troops Friday launched the first offensive since President Barack Obama announced an American troop surge, striking against Taliban communications and supply lines in a southern insurgent stronghold, a military spokesman said.
Hundreds of troops from the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and the Marine reconnaissance unit Task Force Raider were dropped by helicopter and MV-22 Osprey aircraft behind Taliban lines in the northern end of the Now Zad Valley of Helmand province, scene of heavy fighting last summer, according to Marine spokesman Maj. William Pelletier.
A second, larger force pushed northward from the Marines' Forward Operating Base in the town of Now Zad, Pelletier said. Combat engineers were forcing a corridor through Taliban minefields with armored steamrollers and explosives, Pelletier said.
In all, about 1,000 Marines as well as Afghan troops were taking part in the operation, known as "Cobra's Anger," he said.
There were no reports of NATO casualties. The spokesman for the Afghan governor of Helmand province, Daood Ahmadi, said the bodies of four slain Taliban had been recovered. Ahmadi said 150 Afghan troops were taking part in the operation, which had located more than 300 mines and roadside bombs by Friday evening.
The operation began three days after Obama announced that he was sending 30,000 reinforcements to Afghanistan to help turn the tide against the Taliban. America's European allies will send an estimated 7,000 more troops to Afghanistan next year "with more to come," NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced Friday.
Most of the new troops are expected to be sent to southern Afghanistan, including Helmand, where Taliban influence is strongest.
The new offensive aims to cut off the Taliban communication routes through Helmand and disrupt their supply lines, especially those providing explosives for the numerous lethal roadside bombs, or improvised explosive devices, that litter the area, known by Marines as "IED Alley."
Pelletier said several arms caches and at least 400 pounds of explosive materials had been found so far Friday.
"Right now, the enemy is confused and disorganized," Pelletier said by telephone from Camp Leatherneck, the main Marines base in Helmand. "They're fighting, but not too effectively."
Pelletier said insurgents were caught off guard by the early morning air assault, the first using Ospreys, an aircraft that combines features of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
Now Zad used to be one of the largest towns in Helmand province, the center of Afghanistan's lucrative opium poppy growing industry.
However, three years of fighting have chased away Now Zad's 30,000 inhabitants, leaving the once-thriving market and commercial area a ghost town.
British troops who were once stationed there left graffiti dubbing the town "Apocalypse Now-Zad," a play on the title of the 1979 Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now. The British base was nearly overrun on several occasions with insurgents coming within yards (meters) of the protection wall. The area was handed over in 2008 to the Marines, who have struggled to reclaim much of the valley.
In August, the Marines launched their first large-scale offensive in the barren, wind-swept and opium-poppy growing valley surrounded by steep cliffs with dozens of caves providing cover to Taliban units.
More than 100 hardline insurgents are believed to operate in the area, their positions so solid that a fixed frontline runs just a few hundred yards (meters) north of the Marines' base, according to Associated Press reporters who were with the Marines there last summer.
Yes that's right, Yanks idea of fighting is from thousands of feet up. Bomb the hell out of the place then run in shooting after everyone is dead.... Very brave.
QUOTE (XBlackX @ Dec 6 2009, 05:10 PM)
QUOTE (RF @ Dec 4 2009, 03:32 PM)
US Marines launch large offensive
By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU
Associated Press Writer
KABUL (AP) -- U.S. Marines and Afghan troops Friday launched the first offensive since President Barack Obama announced an American troop surge, striking against Taliban communications and supply lines in a southern insurgent stronghold, a military spokesman said.
Hundreds of troops from the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and the Marine reconnaissance unit Task Force Raider were dropped by helicopter and MV-22 Osprey aircraft behind Taliban lines in the northern end of the Now Zad Valley of Helmand province, scene of heavy fighting last summer, according to Marine spokesman Maj. William Pelletier.
A second, larger force pushed northward from the Marines' Forward Operating Base in the town of Now Zad, Pelletier said. Combat engineers were forcing a corridor through Taliban minefields with armored steamrollers and explosives, Pelletier said.
In all, about 1,000 Marines as well as Afghan troops were taking part in the operation, known as "Cobra's Anger," he said.
There were no reports of NATO casualties. The spokesman for the Afghan governor of Helmand province, Daood Ahmadi, said the bodies of four slain Taliban had been recovered. Ahmadi said 150 Afghan troops were taking part in the operation, which had located more than 300 mines and roadside bombs by Friday evening.
The operation began three days after Obama announced that he was sending 30,000 reinforcements to Afghanistan to help turn the tide against the Taliban. America's European allies will send an estimated 7,000 more troops to Afghanistan next year "with more to come," NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced Friday.
Most of the new troops are expected to be sent to southern Afghanistan, including Helmand, where Taliban influence is strongest.
The new offensive aims to cut off the Taliban communication routes through Helmand and disrupt their supply lines, especially those providing explosives for the numerous lethal roadside bombs, or improvised explosive devices, that litter the area, known by Marines as "IED Alley."
Pelletier said several arms caches and at least 400 pounds of explosive materials had been found so far Friday.
"Right now, the enemy is confused and disorganized," Pelletier said by telephone from Camp Leatherneck, the main Marines base in Helmand. "They're fighting, but not too effectively."
Pelletier said insurgents were caught off guard by the early morning air assault, the first using Ospreys, an aircraft that combines features of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
Now Zad used to be one of the largest towns in Helmand province, the center of Afghanistan's lucrative opium poppy growing industry.
However, three years of fighting have chased away Now Zad's 30,000 inhabitants, leaving the once-thriving market and commercial area a ghost town.
British troops who were once stationed there left graffiti dubbing the town "Apocalypse Now-Zad," a play on the title of the 1979 Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now. The British base was nearly overrun on several occasions with insurgents coming within yards (meters) of the protection wall. The area was handed over in 2008 to the Marines, who have struggled to reclaim much of the valley.
In August, the Marines launched their first large-scale offensive in the barren, wind-swept and opium-poppy growing valley surrounded by steep cliffs with dozens of caves providing cover to Taliban units.
More than 100 hardline insurgents are believed to operate in the area, their positions so solid that a fixed frontline runs just a few hundred yards (meters) north of the Marines' base, according to Associated Press reporters who were with the Marines there last summer.
By ALFRED de MONTESQUIOU
Associated Press Writer
KABUL (AP) -- U.S. Marines and Afghan troops Friday launched the first offensive since President Barack Obama announced an American troop surge, striking against Taliban communications and supply lines in a southern insurgent stronghold, a military spokesman said.
Hundreds of troops from the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines and the Marine reconnaissance unit Task Force Raider were dropped by helicopter and MV-22 Osprey aircraft behind Taliban lines in the northern end of the Now Zad Valley of Helmand province, scene of heavy fighting last summer, according to Marine spokesman Maj. William Pelletier.
A second, larger force pushed northward from the Marines' Forward Operating Base in the town of Now Zad, Pelletier said. Combat engineers were forcing a corridor through Taliban minefields with armored steamrollers and explosives, Pelletier said.
In all, about 1,000 Marines as well as Afghan troops were taking part in the operation, known as "Cobra's Anger," he said.
There were no reports of NATO casualties. The spokesman for the Afghan governor of Helmand province, Daood Ahmadi, said the bodies of four slain Taliban had been recovered. Ahmadi said 150 Afghan troops were taking part in the operation, which had located more than 300 mines and roadside bombs by Friday evening.
The operation began three days after Obama announced that he was sending 30,000 reinforcements to Afghanistan to help turn the tide against the Taliban. America's European allies will send an estimated 7,000 more troops to Afghanistan next year "with more to come," NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced Friday.
Most of the new troops are expected to be sent to southern Afghanistan, including Helmand, where Taliban influence is strongest.
The new offensive aims to cut off the Taliban communication routes through Helmand and disrupt their supply lines, especially those providing explosives for the numerous lethal roadside bombs, or improvised explosive devices, that litter the area, known by Marines as "IED Alley."
Pelletier said several arms caches and at least 400 pounds of explosive materials had been found so far Friday.
"Right now, the enemy is confused and disorganized," Pelletier said by telephone from Camp Leatherneck, the main Marines base in Helmand. "They're fighting, but not too effectively."
Pelletier said insurgents were caught off guard by the early morning air assault, the first using Ospreys, an aircraft that combines features of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.
Now Zad used to be one of the largest towns in Helmand province, the center of Afghanistan's lucrative opium poppy growing industry.
However, three years of fighting have chased away Now Zad's 30,000 inhabitants, leaving the once-thriving market and commercial area a ghost town.
British troops who were once stationed there left graffiti dubbing the town "Apocalypse Now-Zad," a play on the title of the 1979 Vietnam War movie Apocalypse Now. The British base was nearly overrun on several occasions with insurgents coming within yards (meters) of the protection wall. The area was handed over in 2008 to the Marines, who have struggled to reclaim much of the valley.
In August, the Marines launched their first large-scale offensive in the barren, wind-swept and opium-poppy growing valley surrounded by steep cliffs with dozens of caves providing cover to Taliban units.
More than 100 hardline insurgents are believed to operate in the area, their positions so solid that a fixed frontline runs just a few hundred yards (meters) north of the Marines' base, according to Associated Press reporters who were with the Marines there last summer.
Yes that's right, Yanks idea of fighting is from thousands of feet up. Bomb the hell out of the place then run in shooting after everyone is dead.... Very brave.
almost as brave as setting in a van after dropping off women to do the dirty work...then crying and sniveling to the judge about how you didn't know you were doing wrong.....
QUOTE (XBlackX @ Dec 6 2009, 03:10 PM)
Yes that's right, Yanks idea of fighting is from thousands of feet up. Bomb the hell out of the place then run in shooting after everyone is dead.... Very brave.
I'll agree with Steve that for the part of the individuals involved it's much braver than anything ARAs typically undertake.
And to think that war is about bravery is stupid anyway...war requires acts of bravery but the goal of war is to kill without being killed...sooooooo looks like dropping bombs is an effective way to do this.. sorry there X but you are once again a fucking idiot.
QUOTE (RF @ Dec 7 2009, 01:04 AM)
QUOTE (XBlackX @ Dec 6 2009, 03:10 PM)
Yes that's right, Yanks idea of fighting is from thousands of feet up. Bomb the hell out of the place then run in shooting after everyone is dead.... Very brave.
I'll agree with Steve that for the part of the individuals involved it's much braver than anything ARAs typically undertake.
Hear speak an invalid who sits at home instead of fighting for his country. Fatty.
QUOTE (XBlackX @ Dec 8 2009, 03:08 PM)
QUOTE (RF @ Dec 7 2009, 01:04 AM)
QUOTE (XBlackX @ Dec 6 2009, 03:10 PM)
Yes that's right, Yanks idea of fighting is from thousands of feet up. Bomb the hell out of the place then run in shooting after everyone is dead.... Very brave.
I'll agree with Steve that for the part of the individuals involved it's much braver than anything ARAs typically undertake.
Hear speak an invalid who sits at home instead of fighting for his country. Fatty.
so you fought for yours? was that before or after you waited in the van for the women to do the dirty work?
QUOTE (OHIOSTEVE @ Dec 8 2009, 08:31 PM)
QUOTE (XBlackX @ Dec 8 2009, 03:08 PM)
QUOTE (RF @ Dec 7 2009, 01:04 AM)
QUOTE (XBlackX @ Dec 6 2009, 03:10 PM)
Yes that's right, Yanks idea of fighting is from thousands of feet up. Bomb the hell out of the place then run in shooting after everyone is dead.... Very brave.
I'll agree with Steve that for the part of the individuals involved it's much braver than anything ARAs typically undertake.
Hear speak an invalid who sits at home instead of fighting for his country. Fatty.
so you fought for yours? was that before or after you waited in the van for the women to do the dirty work?
Why would I fight an American war? So you are an armchair solider are you, run around killing hogs to show as an support offering? Oh sorry you can't run can you, you just wobble?
"...run around killing hogs to show as an support offering"
?
I don't get it. From the context I can assume it's supposed to be some sort of insult, but it just doesn't mesh into any discernable coherence...at least to me.
Can you explain a little further?
?
I don't get it. From the context I can assume it's supposed to be some sort of insult, but it just doesn't mesh into any discernable coherence...at least to me.
Can you explain a little further?
QUOTE (XBlackX @ Dec 9 2009, 08:52 AM)
Why would I fight an American war?
Because you owe us a couple?
QUOTE (XBlackX @ Dec 9 2009, 11:52 AM)
QUOTE (OHIOSTEVE @ Dec 8 2009, 08:31 PM)
QUOTE (XBlackX @ Dec 8 2009, 03:08 PM)
QUOTE (RF @ Dec 7 2009, 01:04 AM)
QUOTE (XBlackX @ Dec 6 2009, 03:10 PM)
Yes that's right, Yanks idea of fighting is from thousands of feet up. Bomb the hell out of the place then run in shooting after everyone is dead.... Very brave.
I'll agree with Steve that for the part of the individuals involved it's much braver than anything ARAs typically undertake.
Hear speak an invalid who sits at home instead of fighting for his country. Fatty.
so you fought for yours? was that before or after you waited in the van for the women to do the dirty work?
Why would I fight an American war? So you are an armchair solider are you, run around killing hogs to show as an support offering? Oh sorry you can't run can you, you just wobble?
I'L TAKE THAT TO MEAN NO. So you are also a hypocrite to add to idiot..asshole..and pole smoker.
QUOTE (RF @ Dec 9 2009, 02:03 PM)
"...run around killing hogs to show as an support offering"
?
I don't get it. From the context I can assume it's supposed to be some sort of insult, but it just doesn't mesh into any discernable coherence...at least to me.
Can you explain a little further?
?
I don't get it. From the context I can assume it's supposed to be some sort of insult, but it just doesn't mesh into any discernable coherence...at least to me.
Can you explain a little further?
I bet its hard to type while on your knees....and unable to see anything but belly button in front of you...cut him some slack.
QUOTE (RF @ Dec 9 2009, 07:03 PM)
"...run around killing hogs to show as an support offering"
?
I don't get it. From the context I can assume it's supposed to be some sort of insult, but it just doesn't mesh into any discernable coherence...at least to me.
Can you explain a little further?
?
I don't get it. From the context I can assume it's supposed to be some sort of insult, but it just doesn't mesh into any discernable coherence...at least to me.
Can you explain a little further?
Fuck off owe you.
QUOTE (RF @ Dec 9 2009, 07:03 PM)
"...run around killing hogs to show as an support offering"
?
I don't get it. From the context I can assume it's supposed to be some sort of insult, but it just doesn't mesh into any discernable coherence...at least to me.
Can you explain a little further?
?
I don't get it. From the context I can assume it's supposed to be some sort of insult, but it just doesn't mesh into any discernable coherence...at least to me.
Can you explain a little further?
What for all your IRA support? Yeh right, fuck off with your terrorist rubbish.
RF supports individual retirement accounts? I find that hard to believe.
XBlack, didn't you mean to quote my other post wherein I gave one possible answer to your question as to why you should "fight an American war"?
But hey...if you don't consider you owe us anything for fighting in a couple of your wars, then that's fine with me.
I completely accept the existence and reality of ingrates.
But hey...if you don't consider you owe us anything for fighting in a couple of your wars, then that's fine with me.
I completely accept the existence and reality of ingrates.
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