SAS dog handler who saves wounded canine under fire set for medal

Tail of valour: SAS dog handler who ran through hail of bullets to save canine that was shot after flushing out Taliban sniper in Kabul is set for bravery medal

The unnamed SAS sergeant ran through gunfire to save his canine colleague
The dog was being used to flush out Taliban snipers when it was shot in Kabul
The sergeant is now in line for a gallantry medal to celebrate his bravery
The dog was treated for its wounds and survived thanks to the sergeant

An SAS canine handler who ran into the line of fire to save a dog is being lined up for a gallantry medal.

The unnamed sergeant carried the wounded Belgian shepherd dog 50 yards through territory in Afghanistan that was under fire.

After getting to a helicopter, he then saved the dog by stemming the blood loss from its wounds.

Dogs are commonly used by the SAS to flush out enemy snipers from behind cover (file photo)

A source told the Sunday Mirror: ‘This was as heroic as it gets.

There is an unbreakable bond between handlers and their dogs.’

The gallantry came while the SAS was targeting 14 Taliban militants south of Kabul last year before coalition forces exited Afghanistan.

The militants were reported to be executing locals who helped government troops in a fortified compound.

Helicopters carrying SAS and Afghan commandos landed and were immediately attacked by the Taliban.

The dog had been sent to flush out a sniper by following laser dots projected by the handler.

The sniper that the dog was sent to flush out was successfully killed by SAS commandos

The dog successfully got the Taliban sniper out from his cover where the militant was shot dead.

The animal was reportedly seeking out another target when it was hit.

The source added: ‘It was badly injured and bleeding profusely.

‘The handler ran across, picked up the dog and carried him to a safe area.

‘Once the target had been neutralised, the SAS withdrew and were picked up by the choppers.

‘The dog was in a bad way, bleeding from gunshot or blast injuries. But he survived and was sent back to the UK.’

The Ministry of Defence said it does not comment on the SAS.