catalyst
10-13-2005, 12:10 PM
i dont know about you...but this scares me.....note the bold sections!
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,16913869%255E31477,00.html
Diggers escape Iraqi insurgents' gunfire
John Kerin
October 14, 2005
AN Australian troop patrol has come under heavy fire from insurgents near the Iraqi town of Samawah, prompting warnings of a spike in attacks ahead of tomorrow's national referendum.
The warning from Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, came as he stressed the need for the media to act responsibly in reporting the actions of Australian troops overseas, and particularly special forces in Afghanistan.
It follows the seizure by US forces during a counter-terrorism operation of a 6000-word letter from al-Qa'ida's second in command, Ayman al-Zawahiri. The letter stresses the importance of using the media.
Air Chief Marshal Houston said the Taliban in Afghanistan and al-Qa'ida were determined adversaries with a mastery of the internet and the ability to "access what you (journalists) report on a daily basis to the people of Australia".
"When it comes to the activities of the special forces, it's important that we maintain a high level of operational security so we don't compromise the safety and security of our people," he said.
In the incident in Iraq, the night patrol of three light-armoured vehicles was fired upon by two gunmen on the outskirts of the southern Iraqi city of Samawah about 9.30pm on Wednesday. The Australian troops prepared to respond but the gunmen escaped into the darkness.
It was the first time troops in the southern area of Al-Muthanna have come under attack.
"There was some small arms," fire Air Chief Marshal Houston said. "Two individuals were seen running in the distance, away from the area where the contact was made, and they disappeared into terrain where we could not follow them."
IS THE CRAP REPORTING OR WHAT!
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,16913869%255E31477,00.html
Diggers escape Iraqi insurgents' gunfire
John Kerin
October 14, 2005
AN Australian troop patrol has come under heavy fire from insurgents near the Iraqi town of Samawah, prompting warnings of a spike in attacks ahead of tomorrow's national referendum.
The warning from Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, came as he stressed the need for the media to act responsibly in reporting the actions of Australian troops overseas, and particularly special forces in Afghanistan.
It follows the seizure by US forces during a counter-terrorism operation of a 6000-word letter from al-Qa'ida's second in command, Ayman al-Zawahiri. The letter stresses the importance of using the media.
Air Chief Marshal Houston said the Taliban in Afghanistan and al-Qa'ida were determined adversaries with a mastery of the internet and the ability to "access what you (journalists) report on a daily basis to the people of Australia".
"When it comes to the activities of the special forces, it's important that we maintain a high level of operational security so we don't compromise the safety and security of our people," he said.
In the incident in Iraq, the night patrol of three light-armoured vehicles was fired upon by two gunmen on the outskirts of the southern Iraqi city of Samawah about 9.30pm on Wednesday. The Australian troops prepared to respond but the gunmen escaped into the darkness.
It was the first time troops in the southern area of Al-Muthanna have come under attack.
"There was some small arms," fire Air Chief Marshal Houston said. "Two individuals were seen running in the distance, away from the area where the contact was made, and they disappeared into terrain where we could not follow them."
IS THE CRAP REPORTING OR WHAT!