British Troops Anticipate Battle
TonyZ2001
British Commander in Afghanistan Says His Troops Anticipate
Battle in April
The Associated Press
March 26, 2002
BAGRAM, Afghanistan — British Royal Marine units heading to
Afghanistan are ready to face mountain combat early this
spring and play a significant role in the U.S.-led campaign
to wipe out al-Qaida, their commander said Tuesday.
Some 1,700 Royal Marines will be arriving at Bagram Air Base
over the next 10 days, said Brig. Roger Lane, commander of
the 3 Commando Brigade, bringing with them a battery of
artillery shells and a fleet of five Chinook helicopters.
"I anticipate my force will flow into theater and be ready
for operations by about mid-April," Lane said. When asked if
he expects to engage in combat in April, Lane said,
"Absolutely."
Lane would not speculate on what operations the Royal
Marines may be involved in, but he said they are specially
trained in cold weather warfare. Many of the troops spend
months training above the Arctic Circle in Norway.
The British troops will fall under the command of U.S. Army
Gen. Frank L. Hagenbeck, but Lane has the power to veto any
mission in which he feels his forces should not participate.
"At the moment from my discussions with Gen. Hagenbeck, it's
difficult for me to think that he would give me something
that is inappropriate," Lane said, adding of his veto right
that "it is a power, but not one I anticipate having to
use."
Lane would not say exactly when the first large contingent
of troops would begin arriving at the base, where
accommodations are being hastily prepared.
Sgt. Steven Melbourne, a spokesman for the Royal Marines,
said Monday the British are negotiating with Pakistan for
landing rights en route to Afghanistan, but so far Pakistan
has refused.
"Negotiations are still going on with Pakistan to use that
route in. However, if that doesn't work, then we've
obviously got alternatives that we can use," he said.
Lane dismissed suggestions that there is a technology gap
between his forces and the American army, saying that any
coalition works off the individual strengths of its
partners.
"I anticipate given the very warm welcome we have had from
the Americans, that our staffs can work together closely and
effectively," he said.
Lane said he did not feel the presence of his combat troops
would make life more dangerous for British peacekeepers
already in Afghanistan. British troops are the lead element
in the 18-nation, 4,500-strong international peacekeeping
force.
"We are a completely separate mission," Lane said. "And
certainly we don't want to contaminate or pollute ... that
mission."
Despite the recent success of Operation Anaconda against
al-Qaida and Taliban fighters in eastern Afghanistan, the
war is far from over, Lane said.
"I don't think we should underestimate the threats of any
opposition. I think that's a very foolish thing to do as a
soldier," Lane said.
Lane said the participation of his troops in the fighting
underscores his government's seriousness in battling
terrorism.
"I think this shows the importance of the U.K.'s commitment
to the global war on terrorism and to support the U.S.," he
said.