ANSF, Coalition forces declare a victory in Helmand

Courtesy Photo | After recent combat operations between Dec. 5-12 in the the city of Musa Qalah in...... read more read more

Courtesy Photo | After recent combat operations between Dec. 5-12 in the the city of Musa Qalah in Helmand Province, the national flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is raised at the highest peak in the heart of city symbolizing a victory. (US Army photo/Cpl. Wayne K. Pitsenberger, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Afghanistan)  see less | View Image Page

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

12.14.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

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BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan national security forces from the 205th Corps, under the leadership of Afghan national army Brig. Gen. Muyaiden, raised the Afghan national flag high above the Musa Qalah District Center Dec. 12 as part of the largest operation in years to remove insurgents from Musa Qalah, Helmand province, Dec. 5-12.

"These insurgent leaders have placed a stranglehold on Musa Qalah since February, hurting the economy and harming Afghan citizens," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman. "The ANSF were able to drive the insurgents out of the area. Now the Afghan people in this district will be free of Taliban tyranny."

The fighting began Dec. 5 when ANSF Kandaks, advised by coalition forces, conducted a reconnaissance patrol in Now Zad. Taliban insurgents attempted to stop the ANSF-led force by firing from established fighting positions. Enemy fighters fired on the ANSF using small-arms, rockets and mortar fire. ANSF returned fire with small-arms and machine gun fire, quickly putting the Taliban on the defensive.

The Taliban moved to different fighting positions in an attempt to flank friendly forces as the battle escalated. ANSF identified the enemy's hardened fighting positions and engaged them by calling in precision munitions strikes. The bombs hit their target and destroyed the threat. The enemy radioed for reinforcements from positions south of the fighting when they realized their defensive fighting positions were being destroyed.

The Taliban tried to take refuge in local villager's homes and use the remaining civilians as protection and the ANA advanced. However, the Afghan civilians resisted Taliban efforts to take over their homes.

"The enemy attempted to take advantage of the Pashto code of hospitality by using civilian homes as fighting positions," Muyaiden explained. "The villagers recognized the Taliban were abusing the code and refused. It is a testament to their courage and resolve to help end this conflict quickly."

Concurrently, coalition forces identified a prominent Taliban leader providing instructions to a large number of insurgents. ANSF quickly manuevered to engage the insurgents by first using small-arms and machine gun fire, then calling in precision munitions, ultimately destroying the enemy.

After a short consolidation and reorganization of men and munitions, the ANSF-led force resumed their effort to drive out the Taliban.

"The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will not stand for the Taliban insurgency any longer and will drive the Taliban out of Musa Qalah if they ever attempt to return," Belcher said. "The Taliban saw, first-hand, ANSF defeating them at every turn."

"With the first phases of the operation complete, it is safe to say that our training and preparation have proven successful," Muyaiden stated.

The Taliban continue to make false claims on the Internet about the battle in Musa Qalah. In one report, the Taliban claimed to have killed several coalition forces and captured two abandoned tanks in the Musa Qalah District of Helmand province. They also claimed to have captured large amounts of ammunition and military equipment.

Another Internet posting claims coalition forces dropped leaflets telling Afghan civilians to leave their homes or coalition bombs would destroy them.

"These claims couldn't be farther from the truth," Belcher said. "The leaflets requested residents of Musa Qalah stay safely in their homes during the operation and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan would defeat the insurgents. We know the Taliban set up fighting positions in civilian homes. We also found suicide vests, improvised explosive device-making materials, and stockpiles of munitions stored in civilian homes; however, we have a standing policy to mitigate damage to civilian property."

ANA soldiers from the 205th Corps, assisted by coalition forces, successfully secured the center of Musa Qalah after several days of fighting.

The hundreds of ANA troops that moved into the town center met very little resistance.

"ANA forces will continue to focus on providing a safe and secure environment for the people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in their effort to foster the rule of law, reconstruction and economic development; all while the Afghan national flag once again flies over the district center of Musa Qalah," Belcher said.