Middle East
16
comments
View of Afghanistan From Apache Helicopter
November 26, 2009 - 7:36 AM | by: Greg PalkotEight years into the war in Afghanistan and its border with Pakistan remains a conduit for militants going after Americans and others.
Fox News has gained exclusive access to video shot from an Apache helicopter near the border in the eastern part of the country just last week.
Approximately 18 armed Taliban fighters are seen walking along a ridge top. This after a small group of them staged an unsuccessful rocket attack on a US base.
Once weapons like AK 47 rifles are spotted around them orders are given for the gunship to fire.
As fighters scramble the helicopters are seen hitting their mark. 9 fighters were confirmed killed.
Much of the US military action along the border is not as dramatic as that. But its just as important to the war effort. In Khost province Alpha Company soldiers of 4th Brigade 25th Airborne Division work to beef up border crossings.
One leading from a North Waziristan stronghold of Taliban and Al Qaeda is seen as especially sensitive. A recent spate of fresh IED s in the area near the crossing is attritributed to infiltrators.
Trucks and cars entering Afghanistan are lightly inspected. Officials lax.
"They know its important," Capt. Justin Pritchard of Alpha Company told me. "We know its important. So were all putting an effort here into the situation"
The troops are working with Border Police to improve their techniques, root out corruption, and provide them with better facilities and resources.
It is a hard and long job but the soldiers put the best face on it.
"Looks can be deceiving," Lt. Nicolas Massie told me, "with what they've got these guys do an outstanding job."
Still even if the problems with the crossing can be dealt with there are other crossings and unmarked "rat lines" that insurgents can use. A daunting task ... without boundaries!
Leave A Reply