Afghan forces conduct complex operation across three provinces to improve security

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

12.22.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Brandon McIntosh 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces improved security across three provinces in southern Afghanistan during a complex two-week operation that ended Dec. 20.

Commandos of the 3rd Special Operations Kandak and soldiers of the Afghan National Army’s 205th Corps planned and executed the operation with the help of local police and villagers from the Kandahar, Uruzgan, and Zabul provinces.

During the operation, ANSF reportedly killed more than 22 Taliban fighters and found 422 improvised explosive devices and about 350 kilograms of explosive materials, greatly improving security along several districts considered Taliban strongholds.

“This is a victory for the people of Panjwai,” said Juma Gul, Kandahar’s Panjwai District interim governor. “I believe none of this success would be possible without Afghans working together to support each other. This feeling of security is a result of the efforts of the ANSF and the Afghan civilians working together to push the Taliban out of their villages, away from their families, and out of their district.”

Commandos and local security forces in Uruzgan conducted more than 15 patrols to clear the Khod Valley and Chorah District. ANSF arrested a suspected insurgent in connection with a group of Taliban fighters that attacked one of the patrols near Khosh Qadir village. The suspect is in custody of the Chorah police.

In Zabul, ANA soldiers and Afghan Uniformed Police conducted several patrols and setup checkpoints along roads in the Brandkhel and Shah Hassan Khel villages to prevent insurgents from emplacing roadside bombs.

The commandos worked great with their ANSF partners, said Maj. Abdul Manan, 3rd SOK commander. He stated the security forces were more effective with the help and support they received from the villagers during the operation.

“The villagers assisted [us during] the operation by telling our search teams where the Taliban had hidden their weapons,” said the commander. “We will continue to drive the Taliban out of their safe havens and encourage villagers to continue to help us.”

• Date Taken: 12.22.2013
• Date Posted: 12.22.2013 07:48
• Story ID: 118574
• Location: KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AF