September 15, 2006
Afstan: Canadian reinforcements announced
Tanks included, as requested by, amongst others, the UN Security Council--take that Jerkin' Jack:
The enhancements will help secure the region around Kandahar, thereby enabling reconstruction efforts. The new assets will give the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) an integral security capability to achieve its objectives and allow for greater mobility on the ground while improving security for troops."We have reached the stage where, with a small increase in personnel and equipment, we can dramatically multiply our opportunities to secure and stabilize the region," said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. “The sooner we can provide the security and stability, the sooner we can help the Afghan people develop a positive and independent future for themselves and their children."
The additional capabilities will be sent to Task Force Afghanistan immediately including:
* An infantry company from Valcartier, Quebec, to protect and escort the PRT, to provide a quick reaction force for Kandahar city, and to undertake defence and security tasks;
* A Leopard tank squadron from Edmonton, Alberta, to better protect and enable the Canadian Forces to fight in those areas where Taliban forces have established well-coordinated and determined defences;
* Military project managers (military engineers) to enhance the PRT’s capability to manage quick impact reconstruction and development projects; and,
* A counter-mortar capability to locate Taliban forces that are targeting Canadian Forces installations with indirect mortar fire.These enhancements and associated resources will raise the number of deployed CF troops in Afghanistan to approximately 2,500.
Deploying new or additional capabilities during a mission is a normal practice as the situation in the region dictates. Under the United Nations mandate NATO and its allies, including Canada, are constantly assessing the needs and requirements of the ISAF mission in Afghanistan...
Odd using the word "enhancements" instead of "reinforcements". Thank goodness the UN mandate is mentioned--although not in the CTV story on the announcement. Bets on whether other Canadian media mention the UN mandate?
First four tanks to go by air ASAP.
Mark C.
Update: A superb post by Celestial Junk, "The Vietnam-ization of Afghanistan".
More on the Canadian medias' quagmiritis:
Canada and Afstan
"Quagmire"update
Afstan: How the media cover the Canadian Forces
Afstan: The Globe's agenda secret no more--it's a "quagmire"
Afstan: Globe reporter declares quagmire