Black Watch in river mission

Jun 26 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

SOLDIERS from Perthshire have helped launch an assault on one of Afghanistan’s last Taliban strongholds after taking part in one of the most comprehensive air operations in modern times.

A total of 12 Chinook helicopters, supported by 13 other aircraft – including Apache and Black Hawk helicopter gunships, a Spectre gunship, Harrier jets and unmanned drones – dropped more than 350 troops from The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3SCOTS) into Babaji, north of Lashkar Gah, recently.

Officially called Operation Panchai Palang, meaning “Panther's Claw”, their mission was to secure a number of canal and river crossings.

The troops were quickly followed by another company of soldiers from the Perth-based regiment, as well as Royal Engineers and counter-IED teams who have been building a number of check points on the main routes in and out of the area to stifle any movement by insurgents.

More than 500 troops took part.

Insurgents have launched a number of attacks against The Black Watch but each one has been repelled, allowing 3SCOTS to secure three main crossing points.

In addition, they found 1.3 tonnes of poppy seed and a number of improvised explosive devices and anti-personnel mines before they could be laid.

Once completed, the check points will be manned by The Black Watch but, within a few weeks, they will be permanently occupied by the Afghan National Police.

Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Cartwright, Commanding Officer of The Black Watch, said: “This has been a major air assault operation with a large number of helicopters, both from the UK and US.

“We met some resistance but we were able to establish a firm foothold in the area,” he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, said: “Operation Panchai Palang is a mission to clear and hold one of the few remaining Taleban strongholds.

“The end result will provide lasting security for the local population, free from intimidation and violence by the insurgents.

“By doing so, we show the commitment of the Afghan Government, supported by ISAF, to bring governance to local people, and give them the freedom and capacity to vote in the forthcoming Presidential elections in August.’’