Geronimo - Seal Team 6’s secret weapon and the Apache Indian.

The otherwise unknown Abattobad shot into prominence on 2^nd May 2011 with those gunshots. 

 There have been varied reports on the mission code name.  Earlier it was stated as ‘Operation Geronimo’ – then reports had it as Operation Neptune’s Spear with jackpot as the code word.   Neptune's spear is the trident, which appears on Navy Special Warfare insignia, with the three prongs of the trident representing the operational capacity of SEALs on sea, air and land.

Geronimo was the Native American leader of the Chiricahua Apache who defied the U.S. government and eluded capture. There were some objection to the use of name  Geronimo in this context.  The leaders of several Native American Indian nations urged President Obama to retroactively rename the code name, and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs added it to a hearing agenda.  Geronimo (1829-1909) fought against Mexico and the United States for their expansion into Apache tribal lands for several decades during the Apache Wars. His real name was Goyaałé from the Chiricahua language meaning "one who yawns”.  He was known for his bravery and daring feats and was revered by Apaches as warrior with spiritual powers.   Geronimo is a popular figure in cinema and television. Characters based on Geronimo have appeared in many films and serials.

Apache is the collective term for several culturally related groups of Native Americans in the United States originally from the Southwest United States. These indigenous peoples of North America speak a Southern Athabaskan (Apachean) language, which is related linguistically to the languages of Athabaskan speakers of Alaska and western Canada.

When the elite Seal Team 6 landed, a canine member preceded them.  This dog is rumoured to be a German shepherd or Belgian Malinois.  There are frenzied speculation about the training and tractics of Navy Seals who raided the hideout and it is speculated that there was another member – a military dog.  There are reports that unidentified canine was lowered into the compound from a helicopter while strapped to a human member of the team. It was most likely needed to check for hidden explosives, or perhaps to seek Bin Laden if the house contained a secret hiding place.

Dogs are increasingly used by armies worldwide. British forces in Afghanistan and Iraq have become heavily reliant on sniffer dogs, often spaniel breeds, to track down roadside bombs and other booby traps.  Dogs are considered good at detecting people inside a building.  They are also used to capture fleeing persons as one tends to drop on the group when the big mongrel leaps. 

The  Belgian Malinois also known as shepherd dog,  is a medium-sized, hard-working dog in the sheepdog family. It is strong and muscular with a deep chest with a long tail – resembling German Shepherd more.  They are supposedly tough to handle.  They are touted to be exceptionally intelligent.  Dog experts say that they never get tired of exercise and training and only the owner is likely to get tired faster. 

Apache Indian is the stage name of the reggae DJ, Steven Kapur (1967 born]  Lyrically, Apache Indian usually sings in Jamaican patois, and is known for his sharp social criticism - ("Arranged Marriage" featuring Natacha Atlas; "Mention") as well as his party tracks ("Boom Shack-A-Lak", "Jump Up").  He has recorded many albums including Boyz II Men, Blackstreet, Wreckx 'n' Effect, UB40.  He has featured in a tamil film also.

In Tamil feature film Love Birds of P Vasu starring Prabhu Deva and Nagma, Apache Indian made a guest appearance dancing alongside Prabhu Deva in the song ‘no problem.. no problem’…..

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.