thedrifter
07-27-09, 06:54 AM
Troops deal with tougher foe in Afghanistan
By RICHARD A. OPPEL Jr.
NEW YORK TIMES
Monday, Jul. 27 2009
NAWA, Afghanistan — In three combat tours in Anbar province, Marine Sgt. Jacob
Tambunga fought the deadliest insurgents in Iraq.
But he says he never encountered an enemy as tenacious as what he saw
immediately after arriving at this outpost in Helmand province in Afghanistan.
In his first days at the outpost in late June, he fought through three
ambushes, each lasting as long as the most sustained fight he saw in Anbar.
Like other Anbar veterans in Afghanistan, Tambunga was surprised to discover
guerrillas who, if not as lethal, were bolder than those he fought in Iraq.
"They are two totally different worlds," said Tambunga, a Marine squad leader.
"In Iraq, they'd hit you and run," he said. "But these guys stick around and
maneuver on you."
They also have a keen sense of when to fight and when the odds against them are
too great. Three weeks ago, the U.S. military mounted a 4,000-man Marine
offensive in Helmand — the largest since President Barack Obama's troop
increase — and so far in most places they have encountered less resistance than
expected.
Yet it is also clear to many Marines and villagers that Taliban fighters made a
calculated decision: retreat and regroup to fight where and when they choose.
And in the view of troops who fought intensely in the weeks before the
offensive began, fierce battles probably lie ahead if they are to clear out the
Taliban.
"It was straight luck that we didn't have a lot more guys hit," said Sgt.
Brandon Tritle, another squad leader, who cited the Taliban's skill at laying
down a base of fire.
"One force will put enough fire down so you have to keep your heads down, then
another force will maneuver around to your side to try to kill you," he said.
"That's the same thing we do."
In other parts of Helmand, the Taliban have been quick to mount counterattacks.
Since the offensive began, 10 Marines have been killed, many of them south of
Garmser in areas thick with roadside bombs.
All told, Western troops have died in greater numbers in Helmand this month
than in any other province since the 2001 invasion.
Ellie
By RICHARD A. OPPEL Jr.
NEW YORK TIMES
Monday, Jul. 27 2009
NAWA, Afghanistan — In three combat tours in Anbar province, Marine Sgt. Jacob
Tambunga fought the deadliest insurgents in Iraq.
But he says he never encountered an enemy as tenacious as what he saw
immediately after arriving at this outpost in Helmand province in Afghanistan.
In his first days at the outpost in late June, he fought through three
ambushes, each lasting as long as the most sustained fight he saw in Anbar.
Like other Anbar veterans in Afghanistan, Tambunga was surprised to discover
guerrillas who, if not as lethal, were bolder than those he fought in Iraq.
"They are two totally different worlds," said Tambunga, a Marine squad leader.
"In Iraq, they'd hit you and run," he said. "But these guys stick around and
maneuver on you."
They also have a keen sense of when to fight and when the odds against them are
too great. Three weeks ago, the U.S. military mounted a 4,000-man Marine
offensive in Helmand — the largest since President Barack Obama's troop
increase — and so far in most places they have encountered less resistance than
expected.
Yet it is also clear to many Marines and villagers that Taliban fighters made a
calculated decision: retreat and regroup to fight where and when they choose.
And in the view of troops who fought intensely in the weeks before the
offensive began, fierce battles probably lie ahead if they are to clear out the
Taliban.
"It was straight luck that we didn't have a lot more guys hit," said Sgt.
Brandon Tritle, another squad leader, who cited the Taliban's skill at laying
down a base of fire.
"One force will put enough fire down so you have to keep your heads down, then
another force will maneuver around to your side to try to kill you," he said.
"That's the same thing we do."
In other parts of Helmand, the Taliban have been quick to mount counterattacks.
Since the offensive began, 10 Marines have been killed, many of them south of
Garmser in areas thick with roadside bombs.
All told, Western troops have died in greater numbers in Helmand this month
than in any other province since the 2001 invasion.
Ellie