Prince Harry ‘blew the Taliban to bits’ as role in Afghanistan is revealed

THE royal saved US soldiers who were ambushed in the war zone in 2012 as part of a dangerous rescue mission, it has been revealed.

PRINCE Harry’s role in an Afghanistan rescue mission where he “blew the enemy to pieces” has been revealed.

The Apache helicopter co-pilot saved US soldiers who were ambushed in 2012.

He is said to have attacked the Taliban with bullets so the Americans could escape and airlift injured troops to safety, The Sun reports.

John Zanetis, 73, from Indiana, whose son Christopher “Tripp” Zanetis was one of those saved, said: “Prince Harry came in with his protection squadron and blew the enemy to pieces.”

Mum Sarah, 63, said: “They provided enough cover for Tripp to get his men loaded on the helicopter. I believe there were Taliban members killed.”

Harry, stationed at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province told the US soldiers afterwards: “See you at New Year’s.”

Prince Harry (5th right) poses with soldiers in the desert on February 19, 2008 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Picture: John Stillwell

Prince Harry with fellow Pilots at the British controlled flight-line at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, where he was serving as an Apache Helicopter Pilot. Picture: John Stillwell

They are said to have had dinner, with Tripp and Harry having their picture taken.

Tripp, 37, was among seven killed on Thursday when their military helicopter struck a power line and crashed along the Iraqi border with Syria.

Sarah said: “He was a remarkable man.

“He never talked a lot about incidents he had but he did talk about the one with Prince Harry.”

Prince Harry visits Macquarie University Clinic where he visited patients and greeted fans waiting outside. Picture: Toby Zerna

Prince Harry chats with members of the Estonian Scouts Battalion who served in Afghanistan. Picture: Sean Gallup

Harry, 33 — known as Captain Harry Wales in the Army — served two tours of Afghanistan from 2007 to 2008 and 2012 to 2013.

He has previously revealed he killed Taliban fighters during his second stint.

Harry said: “Take a life to save a life.

“The squadron’s been out here.

“Everyone’s fired a certain amount.”

Prince Harry practices his rugby skills during a break in the desert on January 2, 2008 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Picture: John Stillwell

— This article was reproduced with permission from The Sun