Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Afghan Chopper Assault A First For Canada

Canadian soldiers in western Zhari District, Afghanistan after getting dropped off by a Chinook helicopter. Canwest News Service

From The National Post:

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Canadian soldiers soared into western Zhari District Saturday to disrupt suspected Taliban compounds, the first air-assault mission done with Canadian helicopters in the country's military history.

"It was the experience of a lifetime," said Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli, of November Company, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group, based out of Petawawa, Ont. "Landing combat with the Chinooks was pretty good; pretty cool. It's for sure something we can tell our friends and family back home."

The mission netted a small cache of weapons and bomb-making materials, but Canadians say the ability to quickly drop dozens of soldiers deep into Taliban territory is an important new tool here.

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