ISAF commander visits the south of Tagab valley

03.30.2010

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan — U.S. Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the commander of International Security Assistance Forces, visited the French forces and Afghan national army soldiers in southern Tagab valley in Afghanistan's Kapisa province to see the success of Operation's Synapse and Gregale, March 30.

McCrystal said that he was proud of the work and progress that the ANA and French soldiers have accomplished in the Tagab valley.

"It's a really good thing that Gen. McChrystal came to visit us," said ANA Maj. Doud, the commander of 4th Kandak, 3rd Brigade, 201st Corps. "He could see how the Afghan national army was set-up in COP 42 and COP 46. We took advantage of his visit to present the future operations that we will be conducted with the French forces."

After a briefing about area of operations, McCrystal, French Brig. Gen. Marcus Druart, TF La Fayette commander, and the ANA commander, walked to the village of Ghazik Han Khel, to meet with construction workers of a bridge and local leaders of a school.

Druart stressed the importance of the ISAF commander's visit.

"I explained to him how we proceed in the area, underlining the fact that we have only been in the area for three months... The partnership with the afghan national army has been really successful because the daily approach we have with the local residents."

After visit to the village, Mc Chrystal and Druart went to COP 46, which was just recently built in March. While there, McChrystal talked about the historical partnership between the French and the American forces. He said that he expects the French soldiers, who are professional soldiers and have a good experience in the counter insurgency field, to share their knowledge with the ANA.

• Date Taken: 03.30.2010
• Date Posted: 04.06.2010 18:00
• Story ID: 47769