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    Marines, Afghan Army begin clearing IEDs and insurgents from Safaar

    SAFAAR, AFGHANISTAN

    08.05.2010

    Story by Cpl. Skyler Tooker 

    I Marine Expeditionary Force

    SAFAAR, Afghanistan— Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, began clearing operations in Safaar, Afghanistan, Aug. 5, to rid the area of improvised explosive devices and Taliban presence.

    “Our immediate goal is to clear Safaar Bazaar of IEDs, and so far there is a lot,” said Kenneley. “The second goal is to clear the bazaar of Taliban occupation and hold it. The third goal is to return Safaar to the people.”

    The movement to Safaar began, Aug. 1, when Lima Company found and removed approximately 40 improvised explosive devices, helping them achieve their initial goal.

    “Lima Company has been clearing the Safaar bazaar the past few days, and the clearing has been going well,” said Capt. John Kenneley, commanding officer, Lima Company, 3/1.

    The resistance has been lower than what is expected so far in Safaar. The Marines of Lima Company are taking every precaution while finding IEDs and assaulting the enemy.

    The Afghan residents came out to greet the Marines when they arrived in Safaar, and voiced their concerns and problems about the Taliban. Lt. Col. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding officer of 3/1, assured the local residents that the Marines and Afghan Army presence will soon bring stability to the area.

    “We are here for good now. We have the Afghan National Army and Marines that are going to be here now and we are not leaving. We are going to have security post all around the bazaar to keep things safe for now and the future.

    “The reason we are here is to make this a safer place. We don’t want the Taliban or anybody else telling you what time you can go to the mass, when you have to be in your homes, taking money from you, threatening you, or anything like that. We want you to live your lives the way you want to and have a safe place for your children,” Watson explained to the village elders.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.05.2010
    Date Posted: 08.11.2010 04:53
    Story ID: 54302
    Location: SAFAAR, AF

    Web Views: 664
    Downloads: 7

    PUBLIC DOMAIN