Online reflections of working in Afghanistan

WHEN working in Afghanistan, one must maintain a low profile and always be aware.

This was the message on an online aviation forum yesterday as users, most of whom appeared to be in the aviation industry, reflected on the suicide bombing in which eight South Africans died. They had been in a minibus. On the Professional Pilots Rumour Network (PPRuNe) forum, one user whose location was listed as SA said when working there it was necessary to be as inconspicuous as possible.

“You try and keep a low profile, by driving what most drive. Toyota 4 Runners and 16seaters. By driving in an armoured vehicle, you make yourself that more identifiable,” the user said.

He said the vehicle they were in should have varied its daily route.

“May their families find peace in the fact that they were there to do good,” the user wrote.

Another hoped the incident would serve as a lesson.

“As foreigners and crew operating in a war zone such as Afghanistan, DRC, Sudan etc… we need to be constantly aware of the situation around us,” he said.

Users also posted their condolences on another forum, www.avcom.com.

One wrote: “Over the years, I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with two of the deceased. The reality check is the number of times many of us contract dogs (past and present) have driven down those same roads… RIP guys.”

Yesterday an employee at ACS/BalmOral, the company eight had worked for, described the business as an aircraft charter company that leased aircraft in Afghanistan, mainly for use in humanitarian work.