Security Council sets sights on security, stability

FARAH, AFGHANISTAN

12.05.2009

Story by 2nd Lt. Karl Wiest 

Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah

FARAH, Afghanistan — Just a few short days after U.S. President Barak Obama's announcement to increase troop levels in Afghanistan and outlining his Afghan war strategy, provincial leaders of the Afghan National Army, the Afghan National Police, the National Directorate of Security, and International Security Assistance Forces met with Rahool Amin, governor of Farah Province, Afghanistan, to discuss the current state of affairs of Farah, Dec. 5, at the governor's compound inside Farah City.

Numerous topics were covered during the meeting which lasted for several hours, including updates on joint operations being conducted throughout the province featuring ANA and ANP forces, both of whom are going to be relied upon in the years to come to play a much larger role in combating the insurgency in Afghanistan.

"I am very proud of our ANA and ANP who are risking their lives trying to protect us and our country from the violent insurgents," said Gov. Amin during the Security Council meeting. "I can promise you that the overall status of Farah is getting better and that together we will continue to work to make this land as great as possible."

In addition to combat operations, the council discussed the recent jail break that lead to the escape of 12 Farah prison inmates, along with recent border disputes relating to smuggling issues.

"We have 24-hours a day communications and are manning our posts all day and all night," said Farah District ANP Deputy Chief Abdul Lattif. "We hear the problems of the people and we are trying to fix them, unlike the enemy who only wants to create more problems and more bloodshed for our people."

The ANP and ANA commanders at the meeting seemed to speak with one voice and to share a sole concern — the safety of the local Afghan people.

"Everything we do is intended with the best interests of the people," said ANA Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akram Sameh. "We are set on stopping the destructive activity of the enemy and we will continue to fight alongside our counterparts wherever we are needed."

Representing local ISAF members in the province, Italian Col. Massimo Raccanpo of Task Force South, U.S.Navy Cmdr. Lawrence Vasquez, commander of the Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Andrew Christian of Marine Special Operations Command, and U.S. Army Maj. Derek Ard of the 4-73 Cavalry also added their concerns and recommendations for new kinetic and non-kinetic operations, including reconstruction projects and electrification operations in Farah, similar to the projects the PRT executed in Rigi and Kadanak Villages.

The Security Council will continue to meet regularly to discuss current issues and to synergize efforts in the best interests of Farah Province and in support of the Afghan government.

• Date Taken: 12.05.2009
• Date Posted: 12.10.2009 09:10
• Story ID: 42550
• Location: FARAH, AF