Diggers launch strike on Taliban in Afghanistan's Oruzgan province

The Australian ^ | May 20, 2008 | Mark Dodd

[gpapa]

AUSTRALIAN and coalition forces have launched a major strike against Taliban insurgents in the violence-prone Baluchi Pass of Afghanistan's southern Oruzgan province.

The push is part of a series of operations - among the biggest since the spring thaw - involving combat engineers, infantry, cavalry and support troops.

The Defence Department in Canberra would not say when the operation began or how many troops were involved, citing operational security requirements.

The lawless Baluchi region is where Australian commando Luke Worsley was killed during an anti-Taliban operation last November.

A Defence Department spokesman said the operation's purpose was to evict Taliban extremists, restore vital infrastructure and establish a safe environment for Afghan people living there.

A composite force of Australian troops - part of a joint Dutch and coalition operation - had moved into the Baluchi region, said Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Yeaman, commanding officer of the Tarin Kowt-based 4th Reconstruction Task Force.

[Enchante]

Hurrah for the Diggers!!!

Also, if anyone missed it awhile back, they are the inspiration for this wonderful song:

Beccy Cole - “Poster Girl” on the Wrong Side of the World

http://www.blackfive.net/main/2006/10/beccy_cole_post.html

We have the Dixie Sluts and Australia has Beccy Cole..... doesn’t quite seem fair (why oh why did we get stuck with the Ditzy Sluts?) but the “Diggers” do deserve such a fabulous tribute!!