Monthly Archives: October 2009

Carnage in the Devil’s Playground

October 18, 2009 · by · in Afghanistan, Helmand, Sangin · Leave a comment

The Sunday Times, Wishtan, Sangin THE first explosion that tore through the alleyway flung an 18-year-old soldier into the air, killing him instantly. As the dust cleared, troops racing towards the body of Private Johnathon Young came to an abrupt halt: one improvised explosive device (IED) after another lay in their path. It was Sergeant […]

Taliban ‘daisy chain’ kingpin captured in Afghanistan dawn raid

October 11, 2009 · by · in Afghanistan, Helmand, Sangin · Leave a comment

The Sunday Times The two point men failed to spot the booby trap hidden beneath the water as they waded along an irrigation canal. Then the shouting started. “Get the f*** back now. We’ve gone over a tripwire,” bellowed Sergeant Lee Slater, the 17-stone section commander as he turned and splashed back towards the rest […]

‘What’s the point? The Taliban will be back within a week’

October 4, 2009 · by · in Afghanistan, Kunar · Leave a comment

The Sunday Times, Combat Outpost Monti, Kunar Province Specialist Alexander Miller had been watching a mysterious Afghan standing in a cornfield for 20 minutes. But it took only a split second for the American soldier to be mortally wounded. As Miller turned his back momentarily, the Afghan picked up a weapon hidden at his feet […]