HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan security forces successfully providing stability and security throughout the majority of Nahr-e Saraj is a direct result of the determined efforts of Nahr-e Saraj district leadership, specifically the District Chief of Police Capt. Saymand Hekmatullah.
“I have carried out duties in other districts, but Nahr-e Saraj is my home,” said Hekmatullah. “Since I have been in office, our forces here and in all of Helmand have seen positive results, especially in Gereshk. Our Afghan Local Police and other security forces are in the front lines every day.”
Hekmatullah said the Afghan Local Police, despite having fewer supplies than conventional forces such as the Afghan Uniformed Police or Afghan National Army, remain vigilant and continue to fight the enemies of Afghanistan, day and night. The ALP, who are from the villages they police, provide local knowledge and help AUP and ANA defend their villages from insurgents. Capt. Hekmatullah, in position for only three months, conducted nearly a dozen large-scale joint force operations with the AUP and ALP. His effect on security progress is evident with Afghans, now securing more of their own villages and solving their own problems.
“Hundreds of enemies have fought against our checkpoints,” he said. “We’ve managed to break the enemies, killing dozens of insurgent fighters and confiscating their weapons and munitions. In bazaars we have captured groups that were involved in rigging motorcycles to explode. We have accomplished great things in just a short period of time.”
Gereskh is a highly volatile area in the Nahr-e Saraj district which plays a vital role in the province’s fight against the insurgency. Nothing’s more important than defending Gereshk for the people of Nahr-e Saraj.
“The security of Gereshk is important to us and it is also important to the Taliban,” said Hekmatullah. “It is because of this that they try to disturb its security. There is a proverb in this area; when Gereshk gets bad all of Helmand follows.”
To effectively defend Gereskh, Hekmattulah knows that he must also defend the Mirmandab area. He vowed to never allow insurgents to take Mirmandab, as long as its future rests in his hands. He said the government accomplished a great many things by investing in Mirmandab’s infrastructure and those efforts should not be undone.
“All of the people want security. They are beginning to withdraw from fighting, wanting peace where they are,” said Hekmatullah. “Wherever the Taliban reside, peace and stability cannot exist.”
District leadership, working with the district chief of police’s security forces, complemented the mission to eradicate hostility and violence from the region. District Governor Fahim and Dr. Abdul Wali, the National Directorate of Security Chief, increased the Afghan security forces’ ability to drive out enemy fighters by creating stronger bonds between the local population and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
“I travel to different areas to tell the people what their role is, as civilians, and what their job is to help in the fight and what the government is there to do for them,” said Fahim. “It has become the responsibility of all Afghans to bring security to their country. We have a lot of faith in our forces and in Hekmatullah. He is a tough young commander.”
Afghan security forces in Nahr-e Saraj are ready to take charge, having already displayed their determination and willingness to take the lead on all fronts.
“We know the terrorists cannot accomplish what they are trying to achieve thanks to our people’s will to eradicate them,” said the district governor. “The terrorists destroy our schools, clinics, roads, bridges and kill the good people and we are all rising up against them together. My message to the Afghan people is to stop fighting. Start helping the government, help our troops, and strive to bring security to the country of Afghanistan.”
With the support of the people and with leaders like Capt. Hekmatullah and District Governor Fahim, Afghans will no longer have to live in fear of Taliban exploitation.
| Date Taken: |
06.16.2013 |
| Date Posted: |
06.17.2013 07:19 |
| Story ID: |
108766 |
| Location: |
NAHR-E SARAJ DISTRICT, AF |
| Web Views: |
117 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
Subscribe
