Welsh Fusliers involved in firefight against Taliban Insurgents in Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Mar 11 2010 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

WELSH Fusiliers formerly based at Dale Barracks, Chester, have been involved in a dramatic firefight with Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan.

The incident happened on Thursday, March 4 near Patrol Base Shaheed (2.5km north east of Showal).

The Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police were involved in the patrol with a detachment from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh.

Patrol Base Shaheed was set up following Operation Moshtarak which took place just over three weeks ago. It was the largest air assault in Helmand since the campaign started in 2001.

Insurgents opened fire on the rear of the patrol from a few hundred metres away using neighbouring compounds for cover. The patrol took cover in an irrigation ditch observing the insurgents’ movements and returned fire.

Using the ANA and ANP to suppress the insurgents the Fusiliers moved location to join up with the ANA and ANP commanders.

Patrol commander Lieutenant Adam Libby called in US surveillance aircraft to monitor the insurgents’ movements as well as create a show of force.

Lt Libby from B Company, 1 Royal Welsh said: “My lads reacted well and got on with what they had to do.”