=they K-9 heroes, past and present, are always interesting. Have you kept up with the recent press about a current K-9 hero taking down the head of ISIS ? It was a dramatic chase in an underground tunnel. This story is an exciting one, for sure. However, it is not the first time a dog has made such a spectacular capture.
How Are K-9 Heroes Trained?
Would you be impressed with an airborne, heat-seeking dog that parachuted out of a plane into enemy territory? How about a dog who trained along with Navy Seals? Does their ability to perform unbelievable military missions from the sea, air, or land amaze you?
I am talking about a dog trained to take down terrorists.
The dog enters danger zones with an earpiece and a backpack camera. This setup allows the canine’s handler to see what the dog sees. Furthermore, it allows the handler to give verbal commands as needed.
Do These K-9 Heroes Need Special Protection?
These dogs are protected by specially designed, flexible, and ultra-strong body armor. It is created to prevent them from injuries on their midsection. Additionally, they are also trained to use heat-vision goggles that allow them to detect living beings through concrete.
What Breeds of Dog Make the Best K-9 Heroes?
Both Belgian Malinois German Shepherds and utilized by the American military. However, Belgian Malinois have a better body structure for many of their assignments. Malinois have a shorter length and are slightly lighter in weight.
Therefore, they are more suited to rappelling and parachuting operations. They even parachute into the water when the occasion calls for them to do so.
The military dog I have described is not a myth or a figment of my imagination. Several canines trained in the same manner as detailed above. These military dogs are past and present K-9 heroes. One of the most famous of these past K-9 heroes is Cairo.
Until Now, the Most Famous of Our K-9 Heroes Was Cairo
On May 2, 2011, 81 Navy Seals stormed the compound where Osama Bin was hiding. For safety reasons, they only released the name of one member of SEAL Team Six. Cairo.
This Belgian Malinois was a vital SEAL team member. Just as much as the humans with whom he trained and served. Cairo played an essential role in the take-down of Osama bin Laden. He has certainly earned his place in canine military history.
Our Current K-9 Hero
Conan has also earned his place in canine military history. This K-9 soldier tracked and pursued Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as he tried to escape. This terrified man dragged three of his innocent children with him to certain death.
Conan chased the terrorist through a tunnel dug out beneath his compound. To avoid capture, the cowardly Al-Baghdadi set off a suicide vest explosion. The blast killed the fleeing terrorist and, sadly, the three children as well. It also wounded the K-9 Hero. Conan is rapidly recovering and will soon be back in action.
As President Trump dramatically reported, “Al-Baghdadi fled whimpering and crying and screaming all the way” to his death.” Led by their dogs, the U.S. troops closed in just as their target reached the end of the tunnel. The notorious head of ISIS died a coward’s death, and that is how he will be remembered.
Cairo was definitely a hero. Conan is a true K-9 Hero as well.
Credits:
- https://excellentdogsclub.com/k-9-hero-of-the-al-baghdadi-raid/
- Military Dog Praised as Hero of al-Baghdadi Raid, October 29, 2019, 3 Comments (PHOTO: White House via AP)
- https://3milliondogs.com/dogbook/this-is-cairo-he-caught-osama-bin-laden-whats-unbelievable-hes-a-dog/
