Russians change tactics

Press, 20 September 1980, Page 8

Russians change tactics

NZPA London Soviet military commanders - in Afghanistan have launched helicopter-borne commando raids against Muslim mujahidin guerrillas in a major tactical switch away from big military operations, “The Times” of London has reported. In a front-page report from Kabul, the British- daily said the Soviets have called in Cuban and Vietnamese counter-insurgency specialists to help them. “The Times’s” correspondent in Kabul, Karan Tharap quoted unidentified “military observers” there as saying the Soviets also were bringing in “older and more ex-

perienced” troops to replace the young and largely inexperienced conscript soldiers who make up most of the Kremlin’s estimated 80,000-man force. The reported change in tactics means the Soviets are moving away from the widespread use of tanks and other armour in the mountainous terrain where large formations are difficult to manoeuvre against the hit-and-run guerrillas. However, Tharap quoted diplomats in Kabul as saying they believe the Soviets will eventually succeed • in gaining control of the country they moved into with a big military force last December. 1

The Soviets, “The Times” reported, are “making rapid preparations for a long stay in the country.” In New Delhi, diplomats have said that Afghan rebels have inflicted heavy casualties on a Soviet armoured force trapped in the Panshjir Valley north-east of Kabul.

The sources said most reports circulating in Kabul considered that a Soviet military offensive in the strategic valley had failed. But they said some observers said the operation had been a partial success for the Soviet troops, who had managed to contain the rebels and isolate them from the other guerrilla groups.