The downing of an American helicopter full of elite troops deepened concerns among some Afghans that it might symbolize an erosion of U.S. power at an uncertain crossroads in the nearly 10-year-old war.
In the rugged district of Wardak province where the U.S. Chinook helicopter crashed early Saturday, apparently after being struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, NATO and Afghan forces engaged in daylong skirmishes with suspected Taliban fighters, according to Afghan officials.
Wardak Police Chief Abdul Qayuum Baqizoi said there had been Taliban casualties in Sunday's fighting, but he did not know how many. Western military officials said only that the area was being secured.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for downing the helicopter within hours of the crash. Following confirmation from U.S. officials that the 30 American troops killed had included 22 members of the Navy SEALs, the Islamic movement reacted with jubilation.
"We killed America's most elite forces; we achieved one of our biggest goals," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said Sunday in a telephone interview. "This shows that our efforts are unstoppable."
Monday, August 8, 2011
Killed U.S. Navy SEAL Team Was on Rescue Mission to Help Army Rangers Pinned Down by Insurgents
At ABC News, "SEALs on Rescue Mission Killed in Afghan Crash."RELATED: At Los Angeles Times, "Afghanistan Chopper Downing Raises Concerns Over U.S.":
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The loss of those men was enormous and dreadful. Yes, they were trained for combat, but there was an obvious mission leak that set them up as clay targets. The military and the pols won't want to talk about that. It's what you have to expect in an area where our "friends" are out enemies.
Sending troops out for close-up fighting has always been the Army way. But with today's technology, wouldn't a few Predator drones loaded with all kinds of nasty armament be more effective in a support mission?
One objection is that drones are susceptible to anti-aircraft defenses. The Taliban has that? Not!
Another objection is that drones are indiscriminate in who gets killed. If you're in the middle of a group that's killing U.S. soldiers... too bad.
Another objection is they crash 20 times more than manned aircraft. So what? No pilot gets killed.
Another objection is cost. How costly are the lives of nearly 40 elite troops plus a helicopter?
Still, if troops can use remote controlled toy trucks to clear IEDs, why can't troops be given remote controlled toy helicopters loaded with high explosives to clear insurgents?
Perhaps it is time for Washington D.C. "civilian observers" to accompany our troops into battle... just to get a better understanding of the situation. I suspect there would be a massive uproar to use any and all technology available... and screw sensitivities.
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