U.K. To Deploy The SAS To Afghanistan

© Omar Sobhani / Reuters

Newsline: UK plans ‘significant uptick’ in Afghanistan special ops – reports

Hard on the heels of Donald Trump’s decision to wage a more aggressive war in Afghanistan, London reportedly prepares to ramp up SAS covert operations there. According to British intelligence, Afghanistan could fall to the Taliban if the US pulled out.

Prime Minister Theresa May intends to give the green light to a surge of covert operations targeting Taliban, Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) and Al-Qaeda militants in Afghanistan, the Sunday Times reported citing senior sources in the government.

Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS) operatives are expected to play a vital role in a “scoping exercise” allowing military leaders to figure out what kind of troops are more suitable for a new Afghan deployment.

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More News On Reports That The U.K. Will Be Deploying The SAS To Afghanistan

SAS to join Donald Trump’s Afghanistan troop surge -- The Times
SAS will return to Afghanistan to support Donald Trump military surge against the Taliban -- Express
SAS forced to join Donald Trump's military surge in Afghanistan in latest war on the Taliban -- The Sun
UK Plans to Deploy Special Forces to Fight Against Terror in Afghanistan -- Sputnik
UK plans ‘significant uptick’ in Afghanistan special ops – reports -- RT

Britain's MOD Admits That The RAF Has Fired Missiles In Afghanistan Using US Drones

RAF Has Fired Missiles In Afghanistan Using US Drones, MoD Reveals -- The Guardian

MoD discloses for first time how British crews using unmanned US aircraft have launched missiles in conflict zones

British pilots have launched at least 39 missile strikes against suspected Taliban insurgents from American drones based in Afghanistan, according to new figures.

The details have emerged from the Ministry of Defence, which has for the first time disclosed how RAF crews using unmanned US aircraft have launched missiles in conflict zones.

The MoD insists British drone pilots always operate under UK rules of engagement, whatever asset they are flying.

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Update: Campaigners condemns UK, US use of drones -- Press TV (Iran)

My Comment: I am surprised by this level of cooperation .... the U.S. military is very protective over who uses their drone fleet let alone another country's armed forces.

British Troops No Longer Trust Their Afghan Counterparts

A joint patrol in Afghanistan (Photo: BBC)

British Soldiers No Longer Trust The Afghans -- Con Coughlin, The Telegraph

After the recent wave of so-called "green on blue" incidents in Afghanistan (Afghans killing Nato soldiers), it was almost inevitable that British ministers would have a serious rethink about the wisdom of sending British soldiers on joint patrols with their Afghan counterparts. With such incidents on the increase – they now account for one fifth of British fatalities in Afghanistan – it was only a matter of time before British ministers pulled the rug on joint patrols, and ordered that such operations in future be conducted only at battalion level.

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My Comment: With 'green on blue' attacks continuing, it is hard to disagree with this growing sentiment among the Brits that their Afghan counterparts cannot be trusted.

Photo Gallery: The 18 British Soldiers Killed By Rogue Afghan Forces

Private Thomas Wroe, 18, left, and Sergeant Gareth Thursby, 29, were shot and fatally wounded by a rogue Afghan Local Policeman in Check Point Tora in the Nahr-e-Saraj District of Helmand Province Photo: MoD

The 18 British Soldiers Killed By Rogue Afghan Forces In 'Green On Blue' Attacks -- The Telegraph

Since 2008, 18 British soldiers have been killed by allied Afghan forces or militants who have turned their weapons on Nato troops. The increasing threat of rogue soldiers has forced Nato-led troops to scale back joint patrols and change strategy.

2009 (five killed)

November: Cpl Nicholas Webster-Smith, 24, Sgt Matthew Telford, 37, Guardsman Jimmy Major, 18, Warrant Officer Class One Darren Chant, 40, and Acting Corporal Steven Boote, 22, were all shot dead by a rogue Afghan policeman in Helmand Province. The soldiers, three from the Grenadier Guards and two from the Royal Military Police, had been living with the Afghan police in a compound. The officer opened fire, killing the five and injuring eight others, before he fled the compound.

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My Comment: Our prayers are with their families and loved ones.

Pressure Grows In Britain To Stop Wasting Lives In Afghanistan

How Many More Wasted Lives? Tom Wroe Was 16 When He Enlisted. Now He's Dead At 18, Murdered With Gareth Thursby By One Of The Afghan Police Britain Is Trying To Train -- Daily Mail

* Afghan recruit had begged for help, claiming he had hurt his foot on a patrol
* He shot the two soldiers with an assault rifle as they went to offer first aid
* Pte Wroe and Sgt Thursby were from 3rd Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment
* Fresh claims that the gunman was related to a Taliban leader
* Latest deaths bring total UK forces dead in Afghanistan to 430 since 2001
* Sgt Thursby's stepfather: 'Ridiculous that our troops are still out there'
* Defence Secretary: Prince Harry was moved to a guarded location during a recent Taliban attack on Camp Bastion

He signed up to serve his country aged just 16 and was deployed to Afghanistan weeks after his 18th birthday.

But now Private Tom Wroe is dead – murdered by one of the Afghan policemen British forces have been sent to train.

The recruit had begged for help, claiming he had hurt his foot on a patrol – then slaughtered Private Wroe and Sergeant Gareth Thursby with an assault rifle when they went to offer first aid.

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My Comment: Finally .... the discussion and debate is now starting in Britain that after 11 years of war .... why are their soldiers still there. I only wish that this same debate was happening in the U.S. .... especially during this Presidential election season .... but for their own political reasons both parties have decided to stay mute, and the media is being compliant.

Britain's "The Week" has a must read post on this changing mood in Britain.

UK Military Deaths In Afghanistan -- How They Died

UK Military Deaths In Afghanistan (How They Died) -- BBC

The UK's military role in Afghanistan since 2001 has not been without its human toll. Members of the Army, RAF, Royal Marines and special forces have lost their lives in the fight against the Taliban. Here, the BBC News website offers a look at who they were and how they died.

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WNU Editor: UK military deaths in Afghanistan (The full list) ... also .... UK military deaths in Afghanistan (In pictures)

Twelve British Soldiers Ordered Home From Afghanistan After Finding Out They Are Pregnant

British soldiers in Afghanistan. Photo: REUTERS

Twelve Women Soldiers Ordered Home From Afghanistan After Finding Out They Are Pregnant -- Daily Mail

Twelve British servicewomen on operations in Afghanistan have been sent home this year after becoming pregnant.

They were evacuated under military rules that ban mothers-to-be from serving in a war zone.

The women were flown back to the UK between January and August this year. It takes the total number of female troops removed from Afghanistan due to pregnancy since 2003 to 64, according to official figures.

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My Comment: What are they thinking ....

Soldiers Protect The Remains Of A Fallen Hero For 3 Days Because Of A Shortage Of Helicopters In Afghanistan

Brave: Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe died as he led his men from the front. His troops were then forced to look after some of his remains for three days because there were no helicopters available to collect them

Desecration Of A True War Hero: Helicopter Shortage Forced Troops To Guard Remains Of Most Senior Officer Killed In Afghanistan For Three Days -- The Daily Mail

Britain's most senior officer killed in Afghanistan suffered a final insult in death because of a lack of helicopters on the front line.

Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe, 39, was killed by a Taliban roadside bomb in July last year after warning that the shortage of aircraft was putting lives at risk.

The Daily Mail can now reveal that soldiers who watched their commanding officer die were then forced to look after some of his remains for three days because there were no helicopters available to collect them.

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My Comment: Outrageous .... but not surprising. You go to war with what you have, and sometimes what you have is not enough.

It is a testament to the leadership of this hero that his men choose to remain behind and protect his remains .... an act that speaks volumes to the type of man and officer that he was.

U.K. Troops Fear Defeat At Home

British soldiers take a break during a patrol in the Sangin valley, Helmand province.
AHMAD MASOOD/REUTERS

From The Independent:

British pessimism over Afghanistan is demoralising soldiers, say commanders.

Britain is at serious risk of losing its way in Afghanistan because rising defeatism at home is demoralising the troops on the front line, military commanders have warned.

High-ranking officers, including a former commander of the SAS, have expressed deep concern that the country is in danger of "talking ourselves into a defeat back home" as the war reaches a critical stage.

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My Comment: No direction, inadequate (or lack of) equipment, absence of leadership from the PM on down .... yup .... I would also be demoralized if I found myself in such a situation.

U.K. Defense minister Admits That They Cannot Equip Additional Forces

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth Photo: PA

Bob Ainsworth Admits Britain Cannot Increase Forces In Afghanistan Amid Equipment Fears -- The Telegraph

Bob Ainsworth, the Defence Secretary, has admitted Britain is unable to commit more military personnel to Afghanistan unless it provides enough kit and equipment.

Mr Ainsworth, who will address the Labour party conference today, said Britain could not "send people ahead of vital equipment that they'll need in order to do the job."

He has already warned that other countries will have to "step up to the plate" if the United States asks for more NATO forces in Afghanistan as part of a surge to improve security.

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My Comment: The U.K. Government has the money .... but their priorities are elsewhere.

British General "Clarifies" Views On Afghanistan

General Sir David Richards

From Reuters:

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's incoming army chief said on Monday comments he made earlier this month about the conflict in Afghanistan lasting up to 40 years were misconstrued.

General David Richards, who takes over as chief of the defense staff on August 28, said in a statement his earlier comments needed clarifying and he did not think British soldiers would be fighting there for 40 more years.

"It is not what I said or what I believe," he said in a statement issued by the Ministry of Defense.

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Update: British forces to remain in Afghanistan for another five years, says Richard Dannatt -- The Telegraph

Update #2: General Sir David Richards backs Bob Ainsworth on Afghanistan time frame -- Times Online

My Comment: These differing departure dates tells me that the U.K. does not have a plan for Afghanistan. The impression that is given is that they are doing everything on the fly.

U.K. Army Chief Warns Of Strategi Failure In Afghanistan

General Dannatt travelled around Afghanistan in a US Black Hawk helicopter as there were insufficient British aircraft available. (Graham Meggitt, Royal Navy HO/AP)

Dannatt Warns Of Strategic Failure In Afghanistan As 16th Soldier Dies In A Month -- Times Online

The head of the Army warned of strategic failure in Afghanistan today as it was announced that another British soldier had died in Helmand province.

General Sir Richard Danatt, who has been accused of playing politics over the issue of equipment, demanded more troops and greater investment as part of a shopping list of desires.

His plea was broadcast minutes before the Ministry of Defence said that a soldier from 2nd Battalion The Rifles was killed during a foot patrol in Helmand yesterday. Sixteen British soldiers have been killed this month.

General Danatt said: “Quite rightly if we carry on with the kind of casualty numbers we saw last week the people of our own country might say hold on this is not a price worth paying.”

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My Comment: The U.K. General is seeing the tipping point for his forces in Afghanistan. He has made it very clear that they cannot sustain (politically and militarily) the casualty rate in this war. I expect more pressure to bear when the Canadians (who operate next door to the British) pull out as scheduled in 2011, and the U.S. start to debate their own role in Afghanistan.

Soldiers 'Dying Because Of Cuts': Brown Starved Forces Of Cash, Says Ex-Defence Chief

Photo: Attack: Lord Guthrie said the lives of British troops in Afghanistan were endangered because of cash shortages

From The Daily Mail:

A former head of the armed forces yesterday accused Gordon Brown of endangering the lives of British troops in Afghanistan by starving the military of funds.

In a devastating personal attack, Lord Guthrie said that under Mr Brown the Treasury had spent 'the minimum they could get away with' on defence.

The resulting shortage of helicopters in Afghanistan has led to more British soldiers being killed by roadside bombs, the distinguished commander claimed.

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My Comment: On a day when 8 soldiers are killed, and 15 in one week .... Lord Guthrie's comments are poignant and should be listened to.

A Rough Day For The British In Afghanistan

The coffin of Lance Corporal Dane Elson, who was killed in Afghanistan,
at RAF Lyneham yesterday. Reuters

Blackest Day For British Troops As Eights Soldiers Are Killed In 24 Hours -- Mirror

Eight British soldiers have been killed in one day on the Afghan front line.

It is the worst toll yet for a 24-hour period in Helmand and brings the number of British military deaths in the ravaged nation to 184, five more than the 179 who died in six years in Iraq.

In the most bloody incident, five soldiers were killed in a massive explosion in Sangin. Their deaths have not been confirmed officially. Three more troops died in individual incidents – one of them from 4th Battalion, The Rifles, another from Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and one from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.

It means 15 soldiers have been killed in nine days – including the Commanding Officer of the Welsh Guards and three fellow officers.

Speaking yesterday at the G8 summit in Italy, when just two of the deaths had been confirmed, Mr Brown told of his “sadness”. Looking shaken, the Prime Minister said: “For the families of those who have lost their lives I send my condolences and I will write to every one of them.

“This has been a very hard summer but it’s not over. It is vital that the international community sees through its commitments.

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More News On Britain's Commitment In Afghanistan

Afghanistan: This bloody war -- The Independent
Our darkest day in war on Taliban: Eight soldiers killed as Afghan death toll overtakes number of troops lost in Iraq -- Daily Mail
Climbing toll raises British doubts on Afghanistan -- Yahoo News/AP
Eight British troops killed in Afghanistan -- Reuters
Afghanistan: eight soldiers die in one day -- The Telegraph
Brown's Afghanistan warning as death toll surpasses Iraq -- AFP
U.K. troop losses in Afghanistan top Iraq -- MSNBC
Climbing toll raises British doubts on Afghanistan -- AP
British offensive in Afghanistan hits 'tipping point' -- The Telegraph
Who has the guts to pull out? -- Daily Mail
Ministers indecisive as public opinion shifts after deaths of soldiers in Afghanistan -- The Guardian
Were we wrong? -- Times Online opinion
Afghanistan: a war we cannot win -- The Telegraph opinion
Major-General Julian Thompson: This is a deadly phase but we must keep the pressure up -- Independent opinion
Will British troops succeed in Afghanistan? -- BBC
Afghanistan: 7 years, 9 months, 184 lives -- Times Online

Afghan War Games Shatter Peace In Deepest Norfolk Countryside

Photo: Soldiers chat to an Afghan 'trader' at the mock village in Norfolk

From Times Online:

For the usually peaceful Norfolk countryside it was a startling sight: a suicide bomber appeared to blow himself up, seriously wounding a passer-by and scaring several sheep.

Thankfully the attacker and his victim were acting. The site of the blast was a mock Afghan village on a military base near Thetford. The exercise is designed to prepare soldiers before deployment to Afghanistan, and commanders believe that it will save lives.

About 60 Afghans who live in Britain as well as more than 100 retired Ghurkas — who are allowed to handle weapons — play the part of villagers, Taleban insurgents and Afghan security forces.

Chickens scuttle across straw-strewn streets framed by high walls, which divide the settlement into small compounds where families live in simple, single-storey stone houses.

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My Comment: This type of training is priceless.

How To Pay For A U.K. Troop Surge To Afghanistan

Defence Chiefs Battle Treasury Over Afghanistan Troop Levels -- The Telegraph

Defence chiefs face a major battle with the Treasury over plans to boost British troop levels in Afghanistan.

High ranking officials from Downing Street, the Foreign Office and the Treasury remain unconvinced that a so called "surge" in troop levels is the right strategy for defeating the Taliban in southern Afghanistan.

It is understood that the Treasury is resisting calls to fund further troop increases in Afghanistan even though General Sir Richard Dannatt, the head of the Army, and General Sir David Richards, who will take over as Chief of the General staff, fully support the move.

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My Comment: They will probably send the troops .... but I am sure they will not be receiving the same support that other troops from other countries are receiving.