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Belgian Malinois are a sought-after dog breed in militaries across the world, especially after their role in the operations to kill Osama bin Laden, and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Indian Army's 'secret' weapon against terrorists: Belgian Malinois dogs of Osama, Baghdadi op fame

Why Indian Army favours this dog breed for terror ops: Belgian Malinois of Osama, Baghdadi op fame


Belgian Malinois are a sought-after dog breed in militaries across the world, especially after their role in the operations to kill Osama bin Laden, and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

They're called Maligators, and fur missiles - the fearsome dogs which helped take down international terrorists Osama bin-Laden, and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. And in India's war against terrorism, they have become true war heroes. This is the story of India's brave and deadly Belgian Malinois.
These dogs have come under the spotlight due to the recent actions of two Army dogs - Axel and Zoom.
 INDIA'S BRAVE 'MALIGATORS'
Axel was a 2-year-old dog serving in the Indian Army's 26 Army Dog Unit. Sadly, it died in combat when it was deployed in an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla in July 2022. Axel had been tasked with clearing rooms where the terrorists were hiding. The canine entered one room, confirmed that it was clear, and then moved ahead.
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Suddenly, the terrorist hiding in another room opened fire and hit the dog. Despite suffering bullet wounds, Axel stuck with the terrorist. Axel suffered over ten wounds and a femur fracture, and died. Axel's body was retrieved after the gunfight concluded. Its actions ensured that one Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist was killed in the operation.
Zoom was a two-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois serving with the Army's 15 Corps assault unit. It was injured in combat when it was deployed in an anti-terror operation in Anantnag on 10 October 2022. Zoom had been tasked with clearing the house where terrorists were hiding.
The canine found the hiding terrorists and attacked them. The terrorists fired, and Zoom suffered 2 bullet wounds. Despite getting hit, Zoom kept fighting the terrorists and helped security forces kill 2 Lashkar-e-Taiba combatants. It was later rushed to the Army vet hospital in Srinagar for treatment. Despite treatment, the canine died 3 days later, on 13 October 2022.
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Another such brave Malinois was Cracker, working with CRPF's 170th Battalion. Cracker also died in combat while being deployed with the CRPF in Maoist-infested Bijapur. The team was returning to camp after a combing operation in April 2017 when Cracker detected a pressure bomb planted by Maoists. The bomb exploded, and the canine was hit with splinters. Cracker died but the dog's actions ensured that its handler and other soldiers escaped only with injuries.
 WHY ARMIES LOVE BELGIAN MALS
The Belgian Malinois have many traits which make them a favourite of militaries across the world.
These dogs are petite and lightweight, making them capable of parachuting out of aircraft with or even without trainers. They are also speedy and agile, and so, are trained as specialised assault dogs for various types of attacks. Their biting power is a big part of their arsenal. The Malinois can bite with up to 70 pounds of force making it very difficult for their target to flee once caught.
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These canines have high endurance and stamina, which makes them perfect for scouting rooms and buildings being used by enemies. They are also perfect for clearing narrow passages in which soldiers might get stuck under enemy fire. The Belgian Malinois is highly intelligent and trainable. This is seen in their capability to mark the locations of bombs etc, and communicate this to their handler.
They have a very powerful nose, which came in handy while tracking down ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. These dogs are also capable of working alone. They can be sent alone to operation sites to explore safe paths for soldiers.
All of this is achieved by marrying the dog's natural skills with modern technology. Malinois dogs used by the military are made to wear bullet-proof vests with cameras mounted on it. When the dogs are sent to scout buildings and jungles, their handler can see whatever they see through the cameras.
 INDIAN MILITARY &amp; 'MALIGATORS'
In India, it was the CRPF which first deployed Belgian Malinois dogs in anti-Maoist operations. Subsequently, the ITBP and NSG acquired them for their canine units. From 2018, some Army units starting getting these 'Maligators' using their own resources.
Finally, in November 2021, the Indian Army announced a formal plan to acquire dogs of this breed in an institutionalised manner. In 2019, the Army had 25 full dog units and 2 half dog units. A full unit has 24 canines, while a half unit has 12 dogs. Each Army dog is cared for and guided by a handler.
The Indian military also uses other breeds like cocker spaniels, labradors, german shepherds, and great Swiss mountain dogs. But the involvement of Belgian Malinois dogs in very high-profile American military operations has made the breed sought-after around the world.
 MALINOIS' FAMOUS OPERATIONS
A Malinois was part of the US team which killed al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden. The SEAL Team 6 used a dog named Cairo in the 2011 operation. Cairo had searched the perimeter and escape tunnels of the Abbottabad safehouse for bombs and mines. After the successful operation, then-US President Barack Obama had met the soldiers and Cairo to congratulate them.
Similarly in 2019, a Belgian Malinois was used by US special forces to kill ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. A dog named Conan had tracked the terrorist through his undergarments which had been stolen earlier by a spy. Conan cornered al-Baghdadi in a tunnel, but was injured when the ISIS terrorist blew himself up. Then-US President Donald Trump had honoured Conan and called it "incredible".
 HOW INDIA HONOURS CANINES
India too honours its brave military canines with gallantry awards.
Recently, Axel was posthumously awarded the gallantry award called Mention-In-Despatches. It was the highest honour given to a canine in recent years. He also received a wreath-laying at the headquarters of 10 Sector Rashtriya Rifles.
In 2018, Gracy received the Chief of Army Staff's Commendation Card for sniffing out bombs in the Northeast. The same year, Danfy received the Chief of Army Staff's Commendation Card for detecting grenades in Jammu and Kashmir.
2018 also saw the National Security Guard recommending a Sena Medal for their dog Rocky for the Pathankot anti-terror operation. The canine had walked into a burning lodge, suffering injuries, but brought back evidence which confirmed the presence of terrorists inside.
In 2020, Sophie received the Chief of Army Staff's Commendation Card for sniffing out quick bomb-making materials which could have cost lives. The same year, Vida was honoured with the Chief of Army Staff's Commendation Card for detecting five mines and a grenade buried underground.
To the dogs, the gallantry awards mean lots of goodies, and more rest.
Thousands of years ago, dogs evolved as a result of wolves helping humans hunt, and thus survive in difficult conditions. Brave dogs like Axel and Zoom still perform that duty, continuing to keep people safe.

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