Paratroopers, U.S. Special Forces make progress in Sangin

04.24.2007

Story by Spc. Daniel Love 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Army Spc. Daniel Love
Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE ROBINSON, Afghanistan – First Kandak, 209th Afghan National Army Corps soldiers advised by U.S. Special Operations forces, continue to fight alongside 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers, and other coalition forces in the Sangin District of Helmand province during Operation Achilles, an operation to clear the area of Taliban fighters.

Hundreds of Taliban and foreign fighters had previously considered the area a safe haven and heavily taxed local poppy farmers to support their war effort. Possibly due to the decrease in Taliban presence, residents were observed waving and smiling at ANA and coalition convoys and patrols.

U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers assisted the ANA to set up strong points along the roads of the Sangin District. As coalition forces pushed Taliban fighters further and further north, they set up the strong points to promote security in the rural surrounding areas as much as in the city.

ANA and coalition forces have united to provide security on the roads in and surrounding Sangin since April 9. Coalition representatives estimate that more than 400 Taliban fighters have been killed, with numerous more wounded or detained by the ANA. Numerous weapons and improvised explosive device material caches have been found and destroyed.

"We sent out warning of our intentions to civilians in the area long before the battle in order to decrease the risk of them being harmed during the operation," a U.S. Special Forces officer said.

Civil Affairs and Engineer teams are currently planning construction efforts to improve the quality of life for residents of the Sangin District. Additional training for the local ANA and Afghan National Police forces is underway.

Coalition medical personnel have conducted medical relief missions and are planning for more. Elsewhere, alternative farming and agriculture plans are being developed to replace the poppies that cover the area and simultaneously bring wealth and instability.

"We're here to bring peace and stability in the Sangin District for the generations to come," said a U.S. Special Forces senior non-commissioned officer. "We've seen positive signs that what we've done so far has been correct, and we intend to continue until the mission is finished."

• Date Taken: 04.24.2007
• Date Posted: 04.24.2007 09:43
• Story ID: 10086