> Gurkha Battalion joins ANA and ISAF

Gurkha Battalion joins ANA and ISAF effort in Upper Gereshk Valley

27 Sep 07

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles are currently taking part in a Task Force offensive involving 2,500 troops in decisive operations in Helmand Province, their first major operation since their arrival in Afghanistan earlier this month.

Gurkha soldiers pictured in the 'Green Zone' during Operation Palk Wahel
[Picture: MOD]

In this offensive, codenamed 'Palk Wahel' or 'Sledgehammer Hit', the Gurkhas, alongside other British Forces from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Afghan National Security Forces, are driving the Taliban from key areas in the Upper Gereshk Valley.

Normally based in Serai, Brunei, the Gurkhas form part of ISAF's Regional Command (South) Battlegroup and are serving in Afghanistan on a six month operational tour. This is the first time the Gurkhas have deployed from Brunei as a formed Battalion, although the unit has been involved in operations elsewhere to varying levels, including Iraq, Sierra Leone and the Balkans.

The Gurkhas, who have a reputation as fearsome warriors, are ideally suited to the operating environment in Afghanistan which in some ways is similar to the mountains and plains of Nepal. In addition, their experience of operating in the Bruneian jungle meant that the soldiers arriving in Afghanistan were able to acclimatise quickly and prepare themselves for the tasks ahead.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Bourne, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said:

"We are really pleased to be conducting our first operation so soon after our arrival in theatre. Operation Palk Wahel is protecting areas within Helmand Province where gains have previously been made against the Taliban and pushing them further out. We have been given the task of clearing down into the Upper Gereshk Valley from the north east.

"Initially we met stiff resistance but this was soon overcome. We are now conducting patrols throughout the area and the local people are beginning to return.

"Initially we met stiff resistance but this was soon overcome. We are now conducting patrols throughout the area and the local people are beginning to return."

Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Bourne

"We have an important job to do in providing the enduring security conditions required to enable the Afghan Government to remove Taliban influence from communities in the Upper Gereshk Valley and to allow reconstruction and development projects to flourish.
 
"The Gurkhas have a natural advantage here. They have an affinity with the people here. It's in that interaction with the people where we want to make a real difference."

As well as Task Force Helmand, the Gurkhas will be working with three other Task Forces across the Regional Command (South) area.

ISAF's key objective is to create the enduring security conditions to extend Taliban free areas, enabling the influence and control of Afghanistan's democratically elected Government to spread up the Upper Gereshk Valley, allowing vital reconstruction and development projects to take place. Previous phases of the Operation saw activity conducted across the Upper Gereshk and Sangin Valleys as well as in Garmsir and Now Zad.

One of the many weapons the Gurkhas have at their disposal is the Kukri, a weapon they have used for centuries which is considered more deadly than a gun when used in close proximity fighting. The Kukri is made of metal, the heavier the better, and is adorned with a handle made from wood or animal horn.

A Gurkha soldier ready for action
[Picture: MOD]