ANSF secure Omna

AFGHANISTAN

07.11.2013

Story by Sgt. Mark Moore 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN – Afghan National Security Forces from throughout Paktika province, U.S. Army Advisers and security elements assigned to 2/10 Security Forces Assistance Brigade, Forward Operating Base Rushmore, conducted village clearance operations in the Omna district July 6 – 9.

Driven by intelligence collected by the National Directorate of Security, Afghan Uniform Police and Afghan National Army soldiers exploited suspected weapons caches hidden in caves, killed two enemies of Afghanistan commanders during a D-30 howitzer mission, neutralized an improvised explosive device and dominated the terrain with a show of force.

“They used intelligence to drive operations, the ANSF demonstrated command and control over the entire valley with only minor engagements from the EOA (enemies of Afghanistan),” said Capt. Maxwell Pappas commander of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment. “They had absolute freedom of maneuver, it shows that when ANSF go some place they own that area and no one’s going to disrupt that.”

Rapidly leapfrogging through the valley of Omna, the ANSF pushed the enemies of Afghanistan into Charbaran then fish hooked into Zawaka to clear the last objective.

"The ANSF executed the plan rapidly, requiring limited advisement, leaving Coalition Forces little to do but follow along to provide enabler support if required,” said U.S. Army Maj. Michael Farmer, executive officer of 1-89 Cav., Regt. “Then when it was needed, they called on their own artillery."

While the mission as a show of force was successful, operations yielded only minimal cache finds and encounters with the EOA.

“They came up with mostly ‘dry holes’ which is fine for this operation, the mission in Omna was mostly to push the EOA out of the area and that is what happened,” said Capt. Daniel Maxfield the executive officer assigned to Blue 0 Security Force Advisory Team. “This mission was successful in other ways it’s not always about kicking down doors and killing the enemy.”

The ANSF conducted community policing, demonstrating their combined strength, cooperation and communication between the different branches of Afghan security proving their dedication to a safe and secure Afghanistan.

“With community policing, it’s really about being the big brother to the villagers, finding out what their issues are,” said Maxfield. “The AUP and ANA stood shoulder-to-shoulder and handed out clothing to villagers and the ANA held a shura, or meeting, in which the AUP were involved. It really shows the people of Omna that the ANSF cares about their livelihood.”

Building strong relationships to combat propaganda distributed amongst the villagers serves an equally devastating blow to the enemies of Afghanistan.

“The villagers listen to the enemies of Afghanistan and hear them talk about how they can scare off the ANSF or defeat the infidels but, when the ANSF are on the ground the EOA run away,” said Pappas. “It’s good to see Afghans in the lead, working together to protect their country regardless of where they come.”

• Date Taken: 07.11.2013
• Date Posted: 07.13.2013 09:37
• Story ID: 110162
• Location: AF