Combat Canine: Taking down Al Qaeda
Retired military dog Kuno is to receive the highest award any animal can receive, the PDSA Dickin Medal, for his courageous acts which saved the lives of British Forces
In 2019, Kuno, a four-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois, deployed with specialist UK and host nation forces as a Canine Protection and Detection dog. He was a pivotal member of his team, detecting explosives, weapons and if needed, taking out the enemy. Where he led, the team were more than happy to follow, knowing that he had safely cleared the route.
After already completing 16 operations over a 5-month period, which involved operating over mountainous, unforgiving and dangerous areas, Kuno and his team were set for the next mission.
The task ahead was expected to be tough, with the enemy being well-armed. What followed sounds like a plot from a movie but it’s not…
Kuno and his handler were among the first off the helicopter, they set foot on the open ground racing towards the compound. They immediately came under a burst of machine gun fire from Al Qaeda insurgents. Miraculously, no one was injured.
The assault team entered the compound and Kuno was first up to clear the way. He was released to incapacitate an insurgent. After swiftly taking out the enemy, he began to discover weapons and explosives. Kuno returned to his handler and the team continued their mission.
The team moved in on another set of buildings when suddenly several grenades detonated close to the team, followed by a burst of machine gun fire through the doorway ahead. Meanwhile, another enemy insurgent, equipped with Night Vision kit had concealed himself in the nearby courtyard and was firing at the team as they approached.
Pinned down by enemy fire and explosives and unable to move without taking casualties, Kuno’s handler released their four-legged soldier. Without hesitation, Kuno charged through the doorway ahead towards the enemy insurgent. In fear of Kuno’s speed and aggression, the insurgent wildly fired into the darkness at the shape bounding towards him. Unfortunately, several rounds hit Kuno, but this didn't stop him taking the insurgent out. With bullet wounds in both hind legs he was barely breaking stride, Kuno lept at his target biting his arm and wrestling him to the ground.
This now unlocked the stalemate and the course of the battle was now in favour of the UK Forces. They moved in on the courtyard neutralising the insurgent and quickly cleared the remainder of the building. Only then did Kuno ease up.
He was given immediate first aid and was evacuated with the team. He received life-saving treatment on the back of the helicopter as they made their way back to safety.
His injuries were severe, one bullet narrowly missed a main artery, he required several lifesaving operations in theatre before he was stable enough to return the UK. Sadly his rear paw could not be saved and was soon amputated.
Now retired and rehomed, Kuno is thriving after becoming the first UK military working dog to be fitted with custom made prosthetic limbs.
The successful mission Kuno and his team were involved in resulted in the most significant success against Al Qaeda for several years.
To honour Kuno’s heroic actions he is being awarded with the PDSA Dickin Medal, the highest animal honour in existence for military animal valour.
Kuno will become the 72nd recipient of the PDSA Dickin Medal; previous recipients include 34 dogs, 32 World War II messenger pigeons, four horses and one cat.
Kuno’s actions during his career are a testament to all the Military Working Dogs who have served and are still serving, and they play a key role in operations around the world.
