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KABUL - The Afghan National Army, in partnership with ISAF coalition forces, have seized and held the last Taliban stronghold of Sayedebad in southern Afghanistan.
Moving out under the cover of darkness, ANA and coalition forces patrolled through fields and waist-high irrigation ditches to reach the outskirts of the town. In a swift move, under the protection of fire support provided by troops to the east, two compounds to the south of the village were cleared of possible insurgents and improvised explosive devices.
"The company, along with our Afghan partners, has cleared through Sayedebad, and we have systematically cleared through each of the compounds looking for insurgent activity," said Maj. Darren Newman, Somme Company commanding officer.
Once a foothold was achieved, and defensive positions established in the compounds, Afghan and ISAF soldiers moved forward clearing the town on the west and east sides from the south. At each stage, Afghan security forces were used to interact with the local Sayedebad population.
"As we have pushed through we've found nothing to suggest the Taliban have been here in the last 48-72 hours," said the major. "It appears the presence of overwhelming forces from ANA and the ISAF has effectively meant the insurgents have fled out of this area before we arrived - local atmospherics appear to be good. The locals are welcoming and pleased with our presence."
Once the village had been cleared, ANA and ISAF forces held a shura with the elders of the town to explain the operation.
"They've agreed to work with us in partnership to provide security here and clear the area of improvised explosive devices - their main concern was security," said Newman.
Although Sayedebad was free of insurgents, as the shura was taking place heavy firing could be heard off in the distance to the north as ANA and coalition forces continued its push south to open up the road between Sayedebad and Nad-e-Ali. The road continues to present a heavy IED threat to security forces and the local population.
"We'll now look to consolidate our position and start searching for improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of the local compounds and routes in and out," said Newman. "Where we find them we'll remove them."
| Date Taken: | 08.03.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 08.03.2010 06:23 |
| Story ID: | 53866 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 102 |
| Downloads: | 94 |
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