I'd bet there are some SAS units already there. Long range recon.
I'd also bet Osama's there as well, or someone important to the Jolly Jihad. Who gee'd up the local Taliban recently?
The reports about the US Seal patrol (3 dead, 1 hidden by Afghans until rescue arranged last week) suggests that they were close to 'a high value target'. The large number of Taliban insurgents and the heavy fire-power they laid down, together with how the Seals bodies were found suggests there is something in the area of high value to the Taliban. 2 of the Seals bodies were found together and another one some distance away. The survivor fell down a cliff, breaking his leg, thus leaving his mate solo. These patrols, when discovered, have a set retreat pattern - 2 lay down covering fire while 2 retreat and set up another defensive position and lay down covering fire whilst the first 2 retreat. Repeat until extraction, reinforcement, or last breath. NO US Navy Seal has EVER surrended. The RPG round into the rescue chopper, killing 16 was probably just an unlucky break.
Militarially we want to capture the leaders of the Jolly Jihad and bring them to trial. But we can't win this one purely with military action. Socially we have to ally with moderate Muslims and isolate the Jolly Jihadi's. Denying them support, recruits and finance.
If you think that by us going back into help secure Afghanistan makes us more of a target, then sorry Mate but I don't think you think too much....
