BLACKFIVE: Op Khanjar

« WTF is that? | Main | Military Motivator - Not on My Watch »

Op Khanjar

Posted By Blackfive

Officials described the offensive as the largest and fastest-moving of the war's new phase and the biggest Marine assault since the one in Fallujah, Iraq, in 2004. It involves nearly 4,000 newly arrived Marines plus 650 Afghan forces. British forces last week led similar, but smaller, missions to clear out insurgents in Helmand and neighboring Kandahar province. - AP Report By JASON STRAZIUSO

A U.S. Marine checks his equipment before joining other Marines and about 650 Afghan soldiers and police officers as they prepare to board CH-53D Sea Stallion and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters on Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan, July 2, 2009. The Marines are assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Philippe E. Chasse

U.S. Marines and about 650 Afghan soldiers and police officers prepare to board CH-53D Sea Stallion and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters on Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan, July 2, 2009. The Marines are assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. The Marines and Afghan forces are partnered for a major operation in Helmand province to transition security responsibilities to the Afghan forces.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Philippe E. Chasse

As seen through a night-vision device, U.S. Marines prepare to board a UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter during the launching of Operation Khanjar on Camp Bastion, Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 2, 2009. About 4,000 Marines and sailors, and about 650 Afghan soldiers and police officers are involved in the operation. The Marines boarding the helicopter are assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Juan Vara