Operating under the code name “Commando Solo”, the U.S. Air Force is using specially modified aircraft that can replace local radio and television programs with American psychological warfare broadcasts.
The American EC-130 aircraft fly in circles high over Afghanistan for many hours at a time. Their electronic equipment allows them to jam local radio and television signals, so local people cannot receive their regular broadcasts. Instead, the airplanes beam out propaganda broadcasts which the U.S. Department of Defense reported are specially prepared by Army specialists in the language and customs of the area.
The U.S. Department of Defense reported that the broadcasts stress that the coalition campaign is not aimed at the Afghan people, but at the terrorists and their Taliban supporters. "We have no wish to hurt you, the innocent people of Afghanistan," reads one English translation of a broadcast, "Stay away from military installations, government buildings, terrorist camps, roads, factories or bridges."
Another broadcast told the people of Afghanistan why the United States is attacking the Taliban and Al Qaeda. "On Sept. 11, 2001, thousands of people were killed en masse in the United States," it reads. "Among them was a two-year- old girl. Barely able to stand or dress herself. Did she deserve to die? Why was she killed you ask? Was she a thief? What crime had she committed? She was merely on a trip with her family to visit her grandparents. Policemen, firefighters, teachers, doctors, mothers, father, sisters, brothers all killed. Why?"
The broadcast went on to explain that the attacks in New York and the Pentagon were on innocent people -- an act forbidden by the Muslim Koran. "(The terrorists) believe they are heroes, Ghazi warriors triumphing over the evil of the West," the broadcast continues. "However, the truth is they are murderers and do not represent Islam."
The BBC has reported that its world media monitoring service has detected a pro-US radio station broadcasting in Afghanistan – these transmissions were almost certainly emanating from the Commando Solo.
Besides its electronic capabilities, the Commando Solo aircraft can also carry large loads of propaganda leaflets to shower over enemy positions. The U.S. Army has reported that Commando Solo aircraft are being used in Afghanistan for dropping propaganda leaflets almost every night. Last night, Commando Solo missions dropped leaflets over at least four Afghan locations.
The Commando Solo aircraft can operate by day or by night, and can stay in the air for very long periods of time thanks to its large fuel capacity and its ability to refuel from other aircraft without landing. The U.S. has previously used the Commando Solo aircraft in the 1991 Gulf War, and again in the Balkans, where the BBC reported that the aircraft were employed to jam Bosnian Serb broadcasts deemed to be inciting the conflict. (www.albawaba.com)
Accompanying illustrations DOD material
