British general joins Estonian patrol in Afghanistan
03.04.2008
TALLINN, Apr 03, BNS - The chief of Britain's Task Force Helmand, Brig. Gen. Andrew Mackay, who on Thursday morning visited the Estonian infantry company ESTCOY-5 serving in Now Zad, joined members of the unit in a patrol.
The activity of the Estonian infantry company is impressive and they play a very important role in creating security in the Now Zad area, the general said. "I couldn't wish for a better NATO partner here in Helmand province."
He said Estonian military participating in creating stability in Afghanistan share the same risks as British troops.
ESTCOY-5 chief Maj. Eero Kinnunen gave Mackay an overview of operations in the unit's area of responsibility and took him on a tour of the base camp. The general also took part in patroling Now Zad.
Estonian soldiers serve side by side with British and Danish troops in the composition of Task Force Helmand. The southern province of Afghanistan is one of the country's most complicated areas security-wise.
The company's aim is to gain the upper hand in the surroundings of Now Zad and demonstrate the presence of international peace enforcement forces. The unit's assignment is to inhibit operations of the Taliban insurgents who use the Now Zad area for north-south transit to Sangin Valley and to Musa Qala in the east.
The commander of the Estonian defense forces, Lt. Gen. Ants Laaneots, also went patroling in March with soldiers deployed in Iraq.
Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8861, sise@bns.ee
 
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