Marines continue local engagement efforts despite Taliban intimidation in northern Marjah

COMBAT OUTPOST COUTOU, AFGHANISTAN

07.07.2010

Story by Sgt. Heidi Agostini 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

COMBAT OUTPOST COUTOU, Afghanistan – Despite a lower turnout than expected, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, along with members of the Afghan National Police hosted an elders shura in northern Marjah, July 5, to discuss security concerns throughout the area.

The Taliban’s intimidation campaign against their own countrymen, including a murder of one of the area’s influential elders in northern Marjah, dissuaded many local residents from attending the shura.

The village elder was murdered by the Taliban on his way to the shura. The elder’s devotion to a more secure Marjah was recognized by Lt. Col. Brian Christmas, commanding officer, 3/6.

“We lost a leader last night,” Christmas said. “He stood up against the Taliban for his people.”

In other outreach efforts throughout northern Marjah, three Afghan women stepped forward to improve their quality of health, by participating in a women’s medical enhancement clinic hosted by the Marine female engagement team with 3/6, July 6-7. The FET Marines also experienced a lower turnout than expected, but will continue to provide health care for women, as well as their children, at different locations throughout northern Marjah.

“I thought we would have more participation,” said Lance Cpl. Kathryn Mannion, FET, 3/6. “But when I heard about intimidation practices the Taliban were using, I thought otherwise.

“People just know in general that if the wrong person sees them coming here to the Marines, it can create problems for them,” she continued.

In this area of Marjah, the locals are more conservative. It may have been the reason as to why participation was low, said Capt. Natalie Kronschnabel, FET platoon commander, Regimental Combat Team 7.

Marines believe that reintegration efforts, combined with establishing stronger relationships with Afghan residents will give them the upper hand against the Taliban’s intimidation efforts.

“The local Taliban that are your sons and your brothers can be forgiven if they put down their weapons and rejoin the village,” said Christmas, during the shura. “I can’t push people through that door. Only you, the village elders and leaders can."

• Date Taken: 07.07.2010
• Date Posted: 07.10.2010 13:20
• Story ID: 52653
• Location: COMBAT OUTPOST COUTOU, AF