...
In early March, the Canadians launched Operation Sola Qowel — the Pashtun word for Peacemaker — in the mountains north of Kandahar, establishing a forward base in Gumbad.The aim of the latest mission — essentially Phase 2 of Operation Peacemaker — is to further extend Afghan National Army and coalition influence into districts such as Maywand, and to solidify their hold on Shah Wali Kot, where Hope said he wants to build "a sustained presence." Earlier on, the Taliban had largely avoided combat, prompting some soldiers to christen this the "ghost war." Over the last few days, however, Canadian troops and other coalition soldiers have faced a vicious series of assaults.
They included two rocket attacks on the principle coalition base at Kandahar Airfield, a suicide car bombing, roadside explosives and a Taliban attempt to overrun a remote outpost in nearby Helmand province.
The brazen assault early Wednesday with mortars, rocket-prope...
Read more...