Home » Archives » "Secretary Gates Visits Stryker Troops in Afghanistan"

Secretary Gates Visits Stryker Troops in Afghanistan

Mar- 9-2010 » Filed Under: 5/2 SBCT

Decisive phase of Afghan war looms: Gates - Reuters

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates told troops in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday they would soon be part of a "decisive phase" in the war -- an operation to impose control over the Taliban heartland of Kandahar province. [...]

"You all have had a very tough tour," Gates told troops with a Stryker brigade at Forward Operating Base Frontenac, about 48 km (30 miles) north of Kandahar city. Twenty-two troops have been killed and 62 wounded in the area since July last year.

"You came to an area that was totally controlled by the Taliban. You bled for it," Gates said.

"Here in the environs of Kandahar, you're in an area that once again is going to be an important part of the decisive phase of this campaign. Once again, you will be the tip of the spear," he said.


Advertisements