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 TEL
AVIV – Israel’s military has found the perfect vehicle for special operations
forces – the llama. After extensive tests, the uncomplaining
work-horse animals were found to easily out-perform donkeys. What’s more,
they need refuelling only every
other day.
Military sources said the Israel Army plans to use llamas for reconnaissance
and combat missions in enemy territory, Middle East Newsline reported.
They described the llama as ideal for special operations missions in Lebanon
against the Iranian-sponsored Hizbullah.
"The llama is a quiet and disciplined animal that can carry huge
loads," a military source said. "Vehicles make noise and need
roads and fuel. We’ve tried donkeys and they are not suitable for such
missions."
The sources said the army has been training special forces to conduct
low-signature ground missions in enemy territory. In January, llamas
were employed in a special forces exercise in the Golan Heights.
The army plans to train a force of llamas to carry up to 100 kilograms
of equipment and supplies, the sources said. They said this would ease
the burden on troops and enable special operations forces to focus on
combat or reconnaissance.
The sources said donkeys also participated in the Golan Heights exercise.
They said the donkeys did not perform as well and required much more
food than llamas. The llamas could be fed once every other day.
Much more suitable than using them for Romantic
Encounters. They will blend right into the old Golan Heights or
the Zagros Mountains, an unnoticed touch of local color, who would
remember such a commonplace beast of burden. Plus, they are cool
killers in a firefight. Remember, "Get your trauma with a llama"…..
from the
World Tribune
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