ANA leads assault on insurgents in Maiwand District

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

11.01.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Mark Albright 

2d Cavalry Regiment

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Soldiers with the Afghan National Army and Combined Task Force Dragoon conducted a clearing operation in the village of Koka, Afghanistan, Oct. 24, 2013, to rid the area of local Taliban activity.

In the area south of Forward Operating Base Azizulla, Killer Troop, 3rd Squadron, CTF Dragoon identified insurgent activity and enemy emplacements of improvised explosive devices and weapons caches. The Afghan National Army’s 4th and 6th Kandaks, 3rd Brigade, 205th Corps and elements of 3rd Squadron, CTF Dragoon cleared the compounds where suspected insurgents have been observed conducting operations.

The plan was created and commanded by the ANA. “The sixth Kandak commander developed the plan. It was well thought out and planned and we were supporting them and bringing what we could to the fight,” said Capt. Kevin Carroll, commander of Killer Troop.

This was the first major mission conducted between the squadron and the local ANA. It was a chance for the two militaries to work together to show their capabilities.

“I think we all did great. After the planning and drills, I think we worked together well,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robby Burns, platoon sergeant for 3rd Platoon, Killer Troop of his unit’s first joint mission with the ANA.

Burns’ unit was the “quick reaction force” for the mission. His team reacted wherever they were needed. They assisted with over-watch security, blocking of escape routes and assisting with any casualty evacuation assistance.

The Killer Troop commander noted the ability of the leadership in the ANA and how they worked together.

“I think that the leadership that the (ANA) has shown really made this mission successful,” Carroll said. “They were very aggressive and in-tune with the plan and knew what they needed to do and knew how to do it.”

Combined Task Force Dragoon deployed last summer as an adviser and assist brigade to the ANA in Regional Command (South). The unit works with the Afghan National Security Forces through Security Force Assistance Teams to provide security and stability to the Afghan people.

• Date Taken: 11.01.2013
• Date Posted: 11.01.2013 13:55
• Story ID: 116161
• Location: KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AF