OPERATION HARPOON

"We came in to what could be called a 'hot landing zone.'
We were expecting to be shot at as soon as we landed."
Company Sergeant Major Tim Power, 27 July 2006

SWEEPING THE MOUNTAINS

On 13 March 2002, more than 500 Canadian soldiers landed on a ridgeline known as the "Whale's Back" as part of Operation Harpoon. It was the Canadian army's first ever battalion-level helicopter assault. Over five days, Canadians searched for remnants of Taliban and al-Qaida forces routed in earlier battles. Soldiers expected to see combat, but the enemy had already fled or perished.

READY FOR COMBAT		SECURING THE LANDING		TROUBLE SPOT?
THE ENEMY		WAITING FOR A RIDE		THE MISSION ENDS
© Photos - Courtesy of Stephen Thorne and The Canadian Press