The bulk of British military operations in Afghanistan are concentrated in central Helmand. But Royal Engineers have spent the past two months lending their awesome capabilities to Afghan and US forces clearing a key area of Kandahar province.Since September, 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron, part of 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), have provided close engineering support to the 2nd Battalion of the US Army's 502nd Regiment, and their partnered Afghan National Army kandak, in Kandahar's Zharay district.
Zharay district contains the Horn of Panjwai, an insurgent stronghold from where attacks on Kandahar City have been enabled and supported, and Sangsar, the Taleban's spiritual birthplace and former home of Mullah Omar. Under this effort, known as Operation HAMKARI - or as the soldiers call it "The Battle of Kandahar" - the intent has been to defeat insurgent elements and increase Afghan government influence across the area, as well as enable development west of Kandahar City.
