As the conflict in Afghanistan reaches a critical stage, a Colindale RAF officer is taking part in the biggest military exercise in the Middle East since the Gulf War.
Flying Officer Kofi Danso, 30, of 1 Squadron RAF Regiment from RAF St Mawgan is serving with troops in Oman as part of Exercise Saif Sareea 11.
The former Edgware Secondary School pupil, now serving as a squadron adjutant and command post officer, is due to complete his Oman tour at the end of this month.
The exercise, which runs until November, is being held in conjunction with Omani troops to provide experience of a large-scale military deployment in arduous conditions something that British troops may have to experience for themselves with the imminent ground war in Afghanistan.
In a morale-boosting visit, Prime Minister Tony Blair paid a visit to troops on the exercise earlier this month.
Despite being stationed relatively near the ongoing war in Afghanistan, he is not expected to participate.
October 23, 2001 16:14
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