With the attack on Kandahar airfield ISAF is reviewing their security measures.
ISAF tightens security at Kandahar Airfield after insurgent attack
The Canadian Press
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - The International Security Assistance Force is assessing a brazen nighttime insurgent attack on Kandahar Airfield that injured civilians and military personnel.
At least five rockets and mortars were fired at the sprawling airbase, NATO's largest military installation in southern Afghanistan, as insurgents tried to breach the northern perimeter Saturday night.
Security was stepped up on the heavily fortified base Sunday, with additional NATO personnel in flak vests with guns in hand patrolling the airfield.
Squadron Leader Paul Scott, a spokesman for ISAF, said officials were still investigating the attack and could not say how many insurgents were involved.
ISAF said the insurgents failed to get into the base during their four-hour assault, and no one was killed, but some civilians and members of NATO military forces were wounded.
ISAF has not released the number of injured or their nationalities. There is no word whether there were any Canadian casualties the Canadian Forces does not release information about wounded troops.
Rocket attacks on the airfield are not unusual. However, ground attacks like the one Saturday night have been very rare.
For security reasons, journalists at Kandahar Airfield are prevented from reporting where the rockets landed as part of their embedment agreement with the military.
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, the third major assault on NATO's military hubs in Afghanistan in six days.
The Kandahar base, long the Canadian military's main base in Afghanistan, has grown to the size of a small city. Ithas become the launching pad for additional U.S. forces pouring into the country for a summer surge against the Taliban.
The attack Saturday came two weeks after the Taliban announced a spring offensive against NATO forces and Afghan government troops their response to a promise by U.S. President Barrack Obama to flush the Taliban out of their strongholds in Kandahar province.
A second story well worth the read from the Guardian:
www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?pid=1447cpcat=nationalstry=3438795
As well Politically on the Monday I feel that I must respond as a Canadian. to this article:
Harper used government jets over 50 times to sell stimulus program:
www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?pid=1447cpcat=nationalstry=3441097
I realise that many people will take offense with the PM for utilising Government (Military) aircraft. I have but one thing to say to any people who moan about this: What would you rather see Our PM travel on El Cheapo airlines. No security and a poorly scheduled time table. Or arrive in style to represent Canada and Canadians whether on the National Stage or on the International stage. I know how I feel. Well done PM.
So as we watch the news about Kandahar I cease my Monday Musings and
Pray that our troops stay safe and return home to their familes. To enjoy their family time.
Nil Sine labore
Robby
