Saturday, March 16, 2013

Victoria Cross for Afghan hero L/Cpl James Ashworth

A British soldier who died in southern Afghanistan last year as he protected his colleagues from a grenade blast is to be awarded the Victoria Cross.

The UK's top gallantry medal will go to L/Cpl James Ashworth, 23, of Kettering, Northamptonshire, who was serving with 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

It is understood the announcement will not be made officially until next week.

The VC has been awarded 10 times to UK soldiers since World War II and only once before for bravery in Afghanistan.

L/Cpl James Ashworth was killed while on a reconnaissance patrol to disrupt insurgent activity in the Nahr-e-Saraj district in June 2012.

Speaking at the time the death was announced Capt Mike Dobbin, commander of Reconnaissance Platoon, Nijmegen Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, paid tribute to L/Cpl Ashworth's actions.

"He was killed while fighting his way through compounds; leading his fire team from the front, whilst trying to protect his men and he showed extraordinary courage to close on a determined enemy," he said.

"His professionalism under pressure and ability to remain calm in what was a chaotic situation is testament to his character."

The only other British soldier to be awarded the VC for bravery in Afghanistan was Corporal Bryan Budd, 29, of 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, who was killed when he single-handedly stormed a Taliban position in Sangin in August 2006.

The last living person to receive the VC was L/Cpl Johnson Beharry, of the 1st Battalion the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, after he twice saved the lives of colleagues while under enemy fire in Iraq in 2004.

The VC is the British military's highest recognition for gallantry and was first bestowed on troops during the Crimean war of 1854 and 1855.

The medal is made by London jewellers Messrs Hancock from the bronze of cannons captured from Russian troops at the siege of Sevastopol during the war.

Along with the nine members of the British military to have received the Victoria Cross since World War II, there have been four Australians recipients, all for bravery during the Vietnam conflict.

In the 1990s Australia, New Zealand and Canada started issuing their own Victoria Cross medals in place of the UK award. And to date, three Australian and one New Zealand VC have been awarded.

from BBC
16 March 2013 Last updated at 02:23 GMT

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Mar. 16., 2013. - ISAF Joint Command Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader during an operation in Musa Khel district, Khost province, March 15.

The leader is accused of having operational control over multiple extremist cells and has personally led fighters in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also served a crucial role in weapons facilitation for local militants, negotiating a number of weapons transactions allowing his network to resupply and continue their assaults.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

During an operation in search of a pair of Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan high-profile attack coordinators in Faizabad district, Jowzjan province, March 14, an Afghan and coalition security force detained one insurgent. The IMU members work in conjunction to orchestrate attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. They have directed and organized significant number of suicide bombers to attack in conjunction with one another, and are also believed to facilitate improvised explosive device operations.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan suicide attack coordinator during an operation in Imam Sahib district, Kunduz province, March 15. The insurgent is accused of directing the actions of a number of suicide attackers targeting Afghan government officials and security forces. At the time of his arrest, he was actively planning an operation against Afghan National Security Forces.

South

Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed March 15 the arrest of a Taliban leader during an operation in Marjeh district, Helmand province, Wednesday. The leader held senior administrative responsibilities for the insurgent network in Marjeh district. He is believed to be deeply involved in planning, coordinating and conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained two other insurgents and seized two machine guns and 400 rounds of ammunition as a result of the operation.

Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed March 15 the death of Taliban leader, Abdul Razzaq, during an operation in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, Thursday. Razzaq, also known as Hajji Mama, had planned and directed attempted assassinations against Afghan forces, facilitated weapons to fighters throughout Helmand province, and served as a vital link in the local Taliban’s intelligence apparatus. He also served as a member in illegitimate Taliban judicial proceedings and actively recruited civilians to join a number of insurgent cells.

During an operation in Delaram district, Nimroz province, March 15, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban logistics leader and detained one other insurgent. The insurgent is believed to be in charge of the entire supply chain for an insurgent network operating in the Central Helmand River Valley area. He supervised the acquisition, transportation and distribution of weapons, IEDs and IED material to multiple Taliban leaders.

East

An Afghan and coalition security force detained a number of insurgents during an operation in search of a Taliban facilitator in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, March 15. The facilitator is believed responsible for coordinating and conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Logar province. He is instrumental in procuring and distributing weapons and ammunition to his fellow fighters for use in insurgent activities.

During an operation in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, March 15, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained one other insurgent. The leader is believed to be heavily involved in insurgent operations throughout Pul-e ‘Alam district. He is accused of having engaged in a campaign of intimidation against Afghan authorities throughout the region and worked on the facilitation of weapons to extremists.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani IED expert and detained two other insurgents during an operation in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, March 15 The insurgent is suspected of having authority over a cell of fighters responsible for a number of mortar and rocket attacks against Afghan and coalition fighters.

During an operation in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, March 15, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani facilitator and detained a number of other insurgents. The facilitator is accused of acquiring weapons, IEDs and other supplies for insurgent networks in Pul-e ‘Alam district. He is also believed to have coordinated and participated in multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

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Mar. 16., 2013. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared one improvised explosive device and and discovered two weapons caches during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, March 15.

Ghazni province

Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED during operations in the Gelan district.

Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache during operations in the Dehyak district. The cache consisted of 10 bags of homemade explosives, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and 11 RPG rounds.

Khowst province
Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache during operations in the Shamal district. The cache consisted of multiple IED making materials and land mine components.

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