GTFPDQ
12-16-2009, 08:30 PM
16 Dec 09
New patrol bases, which will push back insurgents operating south of Sangin, have been set up in a daring operation in the space of 48 hours by British troops in the dangerous 'Green Zone'.
Combat Engineers start to prepare the ground for one of the new patrol bases
Combat Engineers start to prepare the ground for one of the new patrol bases
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The operation to establish one of the bases began in the early hours of the morning, when the lead platoons of A Company, 3rd Battalion The Rifles (3 RIFLES), left Forward Operating Base (FOB) Nolay under the cover of darkness and infiltrated the close terrain of the heavily cultivated 'Green Zone' to the north.
The Green Zone is a heavily irrigated and fertile area either side of the Helmand River, frequently used by insurgents to gain access to the Sangin bazaar, often intimidating and threatening local Afghans as well as laying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on their way through.
Normally the area is ripe for insurgent attack, but with the maize recently harvested, reducing cover for the insurgents, A Company's forward element were able to make a beeline for a key crossing point on a canal which dissects the southern Green Zone and is where the insurgents must cross if they are to infiltrate from their safe havens in the south east.
With the Viking armoured vehicles of Egypt Squadron, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment (2 RTR), and the Manoeuvre Operations Group (MOG) following up to provide extra muscle, the area was quickly and conclusively isolated.
A modest sum of money changed hands with a local farmer and a small but easily fortifiable compound that dominated the bridge became the latest addition to A Company's Sangin property portfolio.
Commanding Officer of 3 RIFLES, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, said:
"As the morning sun began to burn off the penetrating night chill, the insurgents soon realised that they were no longer the biggest boy in that particular playground."
Meanwhile, B Company, 3 RIFLES, had conducted a similar move, again accompanied by the MOG, south from FOB Jackson into the north eastern part of the same area.
They took over a deserted and bomb-damaged compound next door to one of the insurgents' favourite firing points onto the main road running north into Sangin's bustling and daily more prosperous bazaar.
Having secured the ground, it was then the job of the Royal Engineer Search Advisor (RESA) and the improvised explosive device disposal team to clear the area of booby traps and legacy munitions, which are strewn across this area of operation.
Clearing a deserted compound of booby traps and legacy munitions
Clearing a deserted compound of booby traps and legacy munitions
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
RESA Staff Sergeant Wright said:
"We had to make sure that there were no nasty surprises in the new patrol bases. Luckily we only found old munitions. My men put themselves at significant risk clearing devices but we will do everything we can to establish security and protect innocent Afghans who live and work here."
While all this was going on, the Riflemen in the security cordon took the time to reassure the local Afghan people that what was being done would bring further security to their community.
The presence of Egypt Squadron was critical to this process; holding the cordon while the Riflemen moved from mosque to mosque and compound to compound speaking to the locals.
Captain Nick Bridges, Egypt Squadron, 2 RTR, said:
"Only one Viking attracted insurgent attention throughout the operation. We came under a short period of fire from insurgents, frustrated that they were powerless to do anything to disrupt the progress that was all too obvious for them to see."
Next it was the turn of the Combat Engineers with their armoured plant to get involved. They were supported by a team from 10 The Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment and their armoured DROPS (Demountable Rack Offload and Pickup System) vehicles full of supplies.
The Engineers, under Staff Sergeant Bye, worked through the night to establish the critical defences. He said:
"This was no mean feat especially when you consider that we were operating our equipment with night-vision goggles on. We finished well after dark with Engineers and Riflemen alike happy that what we had established could be defended if required.
"More importantly we hope that the new patrol bases will bring increased security to a part of central Helmand that until now has seen plenty of upheaval."
Elements of the MOG were re-rolled to ferry defence stores and general supplies to the new bases.
Lt Col Kitson continued:
"After 36 hours of hard graft, building basic defences and pushing supplies forward, Battle Group North was the proud owner of two new patrol bases inside our wider footprint but hitherto freely trafficked by the enemy.
Setting up one of the new patrol bases
The new patrol bases will bring increased security to the local Afghan population
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"The Afghan National Army plan to join us in these patrol bases [PBs] as soon as their imminent manning increase arrives."
The final phase of the task centred on another specialist Engineer skill, destroying the remaining bridges over the canal. Lt Col Kitson said:
"This was not a reckless act but a tactical decision to force the locals to cross within the vicinity of our PBs. This will ensure that we can afford them the necessary protection while reinforcing their understanding that we are here to help. Of course we also hope that the insurgents will be forced to use these crossings - if they dare!"
The operation, called Op GHARTSE GHADMAHE, will expand the area of security around Sangin and continue to improve the quality of life for the locals.
Captain Ben Coward, from the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, was part of the operation. He said:
"Pushing the insurgents, and any fighting, away from the urban centre and therefore away from the civilian population is sound counter-insurgency practice.
"Protecting the people, bringing them the security they crave, is all part of winning their will and their support. We need to show them that we are here to help."
While Afghan National Police take as much of a lead as possible for security within the urban area, Afghan National Army and ISAF forces continue to expand the security 'bubble' around the centre, protecting the civilian population there.
Officer Commanding 5 Platoon, Lieutenant Tom Vila, explained the importance of securing the area and the challenges facing his men:
"The bazaar represents the prosperous market area where Afghans can trade and purchase goods. In 2007 it was largely deserted. Today the security situation is such that there are between 200 and 400 stalls open each day and the centre is once more thriving.
"We had to clear numerous IEDs to prepare the locations of the new patrol base. My men put themselves at significant risk clearing these devices but we will do everything we can do to establish security and protect the innocent Afghans who live and work here.
"Some locals were initially a bit sceptical about the benefits of the new PB but once they saw the work begin they warmed to the presence of the troops and seemed genuinely pleased to have us as their new neighbours.
Setting up one of the new patrol bases
Setting up one of the new patrol bases gets underway
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"We offered plenty of reassurance; this allowed the conversation to progress onto other areas including healthcare and the building of wells in the local area.
"It is links like these that allow development efforts to take a step forward, by fostering this we aim to gain the support of the local people."
The new patrol bases have yet to be named. The names will be chosen by Colonel Wadood of the Afghan National Army to reflect the UK/ISAF role of acting in support of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).
6 Platoon were the first inhabitants of one of the patrol bases. Helped by the Engineers, 6 Platoon were quick to establish an ops room and build firing positions for the patrol base's defence.
Their Platoon Commander, Second Lieutenant Will Dixon, was pleased to be the first platoon in:
"This is a fantastic opportunity for the guys and me. It's what every Platoon Commander dreams of, independent command with his platoon on operations.
"It is an opportunity to bring security to an area, get to know the local community and hopefully give them the courage to stand up to the insurgents, slowly clawing back normality.
"Over the coming days I expect to generate a relationship with the locals that will see them coming to us for help but also telling us where the insurgents are operating."
From this new location the soldiers will conduct patrols and shuras over the coming months.
Living among the locals will give the platoon a unique opportunity to get to know the people in this part of Sangin and build a positive relationship that further strengthens the bond between ANSF, ISAF and the people of Helmand province.
Major James Richardson, Officer Commanding B Company, 3 RIFLES, explained:
"This is an area that has become all too synonymous with insurgent activity. Whether it be disrupting ISAF and ANSF activity in the immediate area or threatening and intimidating the local population, the insurgent has had too much freedom in this area.
"By occupying PBs such as this we will work to reassure the local Afghans that security is close at hand, physically and mentally.
"But also it takes the fight to the insurgent, challenging them in areas where they have become all too comfortable while our focuses may have been elsewhere. It is a hugely positive step."
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/NewPatrolBasesPushBackTaliban.htm
New patrol bases, which will push back insurgents operating south of Sangin, have been set up in a daring operation in the space of 48 hours by British troops in the dangerous 'Green Zone'.
Combat Engineers start to prepare the ground for one of the new patrol bases
Combat Engineers start to prepare the ground for one of the new patrol bases
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The operation to establish one of the bases began in the early hours of the morning, when the lead platoons of A Company, 3rd Battalion The Rifles (3 RIFLES), left Forward Operating Base (FOB) Nolay under the cover of darkness and infiltrated the close terrain of the heavily cultivated 'Green Zone' to the north.
The Green Zone is a heavily irrigated and fertile area either side of the Helmand River, frequently used by insurgents to gain access to the Sangin bazaar, often intimidating and threatening local Afghans as well as laying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on their way through.
Normally the area is ripe for insurgent attack, but with the maize recently harvested, reducing cover for the insurgents, A Company's forward element were able to make a beeline for a key crossing point on a canal which dissects the southern Green Zone and is where the insurgents must cross if they are to infiltrate from their safe havens in the south east.
With the Viking armoured vehicles of Egypt Squadron, 2nd Royal Tank Regiment (2 RTR), and the Manoeuvre Operations Group (MOG) following up to provide extra muscle, the area was quickly and conclusively isolated.
A modest sum of money changed hands with a local farmer and a small but easily fortifiable compound that dominated the bridge became the latest addition to A Company's Sangin property portfolio.
Commanding Officer of 3 RIFLES, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson, said:
"As the morning sun began to burn off the penetrating night chill, the insurgents soon realised that they were no longer the biggest boy in that particular playground."
Meanwhile, B Company, 3 RIFLES, had conducted a similar move, again accompanied by the MOG, south from FOB Jackson into the north eastern part of the same area.
They took over a deserted and bomb-damaged compound next door to one of the insurgents' favourite firing points onto the main road running north into Sangin's bustling and daily more prosperous bazaar.
Having secured the ground, it was then the job of the Royal Engineer Search Advisor (RESA) and the improvised explosive device disposal team to clear the area of booby traps and legacy munitions, which are strewn across this area of operation.
Clearing a deserted compound of booby traps and legacy munitions
Clearing a deserted compound of booby traps and legacy munitions
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
RESA Staff Sergeant Wright said:
"We had to make sure that there were no nasty surprises in the new patrol bases. Luckily we only found old munitions. My men put themselves at significant risk clearing devices but we will do everything we can to establish security and protect innocent Afghans who live and work here."
While all this was going on, the Riflemen in the security cordon took the time to reassure the local Afghan people that what was being done would bring further security to their community.
The presence of Egypt Squadron was critical to this process; holding the cordon while the Riflemen moved from mosque to mosque and compound to compound speaking to the locals.
Captain Nick Bridges, Egypt Squadron, 2 RTR, said:
"Only one Viking attracted insurgent attention throughout the operation. We came under a short period of fire from insurgents, frustrated that they were powerless to do anything to disrupt the progress that was all too obvious for them to see."
Next it was the turn of the Combat Engineers with their armoured plant to get involved. They were supported by a team from 10 The Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment and their armoured DROPS (Demountable Rack Offload and Pickup System) vehicles full of supplies.
The Engineers, under Staff Sergeant Bye, worked through the night to establish the critical defences. He said:
"This was no mean feat especially when you consider that we were operating our equipment with night-vision goggles on. We finished well after dark with Engineers and Riflemen alike happy that what we had established could be defended if required.
"More importantly we hope that the new patrol bases will bring increased security to a part of central Helmand that until now has seen plenty of upheaval."
Elements of the MOG were re-rolled to ferry defence stores and general supplies to the new bases.
Lt Col Kitson continued:
"After 36 hours of hard graft, building basic defences and pushing supplies forward, Battle Group North was the proud owner of two new patrol bases inside our wider footprint but hitherto freely trafficked by the enemy.
Setting up one of the new patrol bases
The new patrol bases will bring increased security to the local Afghan population
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"The Afghan National Army plan to join us in these patrol bases [PBs] as soon as their imminent manning increase arrives."
The final phase of the task centred on another specialist Engineer skill, destroying the remaining bridges over the canal. Lt Col Kitson said:
"This was not a reckless act but a tactical decision to force the locals to cross within the vicinity of our PBs. This will ensure that we can afford them the necessary protection while reinforcing their understanding that we are here to help. Of course we also hope that the insurgents will be forced to use these crossings - if they dare!"
The operation, called Op GHARTSE GHADMAHE, will expand the area of security around Sangin and continue to improve the quality of life for the locals.
Captain Ben Coward, from the 3 RIFLES Battle Group, was part of the operation. He said:
"Pushing the insurgents, and any fighting, away from the urban centre and therefore away from the civilian population is sound counter-insurgency practice.
"Protecting the people, bringing them the security they crave, is all part of winning their will and their support. We need to show them that we are here to help."
While Afghan National Police take as much of a lead as possible for security within the urban area, Afghan National Army and ISAF forces continue to expand the security 'bubble' around the centre, protecting the civilian population there.
Officer Commanding 5 Platoon, Lieutenant Tom Vila, explained the importance of securing the area and the challenges facing his men:
"The bazaar represents the prosperous market area where Afghans can trade and purchase goods. In 2007 it was largely deserted. Today the security situation is such that there are between 200 and 400 stalls open each day and the centre is once more thriving.
"We had to clear numerous IEDs to prepare the locations of the new patrol base. My men put themselves at significant risk clearing these devices but we will do everything we can do to establish security and protect the innocent Afghans who live and work here.
"Some locals were initially a bit sceptical about the benefits of the new PB but once they saw the work begin they warmed to the presence of the troops and seemed genuinely pleased to have us as their new neighbours.
Setting up one of the new patrol bases
Setting up one of the new patrol bases gets underway
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
"We offered plenty of reassurance; this allowed the conversation to progress onto other areas including healthcare and the building of wells in the local area.
"It is links like these that allow development efforts to take a step forward, by fostering this we aim to gain the support of the local people."
The new patrol bases have yet to be named. The names will be chosen by Colonel Wadood of the Afghan National Army to reflect the UK/ISAF role of acting in support of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).
6 Platoon were the first inhabitants of one of the patrol bases. Helped by the Engineers, 6 Platoon were quick to establish an ops room and build firing positions for the patrol base's defence.
Their Platoon Commander, Second Lieutenant Will Dixon, was pleased to be the first platoon in:
"This is a fantastic opportunity for the guys and me. It's what every Platoon Commander dreams of, independent command with his platoon on operations.
"It is an opportunity to bring security to an area, get to know the local community and hopefully give them the courage to stand up to the insurgents, slowly clawing back normality.
"Over the coming days I expect to generate a relationship with the locals that will see them coming to us for help but also telling us where the insurgents are operating."
From this new location the soldiers will conduct patrols and shuras over the coming months.
Living among the locals will give the platoon a unique opportunity to get to know the people in this part of Sangin and build a positive relationship that further strengthens the bond between ANSF, ISAF and the people of Helmand province.
Major James Richardson, Officer Commanding B Company, 3 RIFLES, explained:
"This is an area that has become all too synonymous with insurgent activity. Whether it be disrupting ISAF and ANSF activity in the immediate area or threatening and intimidating the local population, the insurgent has had too much freedom in this area.
"By occupying PBs such as this we will work to reassure the local Afghans that security is close at hand, physically and mentally.
"But also it takes the fight to the insurgent, challenging them in areas where they have become all too comfortable while our focuses may have been elsewhere. It is a hugely positive step."
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/NewPatrolBasesPushBackTaliban.htm