The battle that made Canada bleed: Operation Medusa, 20 years later
Canadian veterans are reflecting on the 20th anniversary of Operation Medusa, a major military engagement in Afghanistan that served as a turning point for Canadian forces. The battle remains the largest conventional operation for Canada since the Korean War.
Why it matters
It provides historical context on the legacy of the Afghan war and the lasting impact of the conflict on Canadian military personnel.
"I remember looking at it thinking, well, that's weird," said Moncur, who realized that since NATO troops in Afghanistan fired red flares, green must have belonged to the Taliban.
"That was an indication that we had walked far enough into the trap."
The Taliban had waited until he and his section of troops had dismounted from the protection of their armoured vehicles before springing their three-sided ambush.
Moncur recalls every detail of that day 20 years ago with a stark, blinding clarity.
It was the opening phase of Operation Medusa, a savage, close-quarters battle in the vineyards and dusty villages of Kandahar.
'I'll never forget': Canadian veteran recalls opening phases of Operation Medusa
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