Afghan Army plans, executes mission to take fight to Taliban in Zabul

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

02.14.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army and Hawk Company, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment troopers recently conducted an air assault mission into three remote mountain villages in Zabul province.

The mission targeted insurgents in the villages of Tulak, Nowbad and Bulaig, all suspected of being areas heavily trafficked by insurgent forces.

“This was a joint operation with ANA as a part of increasing their training, their skills, abilities and confidence in areas that have never seen a [Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan] or coalition presence,” said 1st Lt. Karl Stadler, first platoon leader from Hawk Company.

“The ANA is at the point now where we are no longer training them on basic soldier skills,” Stadler said. “We are training their leadership on planning and coordinating, the whole process of what leaders need to know to start conducting their own missions.”

Afghan National Army forces were involved in all aspects of the operation from the planning to the execution. Afghan National Army intelligence teams were involved by interviewing villagers in an effort to obtain information for future operations.

As teams proceeded through each village, it became clear that most of the dwellings had long been abandoned. From the few remaining villagers that were found, soldiers were able to ascertain that families began leaving the area due to the lack of water.

Although only a handful of citizens were found, and soldiers did not uncover any signs of weapons or insurgent occupation – the mission was deemed a success by Afghan and coalition troops.

• Date Taken: 02.14.2011
• Date Posted: 02.14.2011 07:34
• Story ID: 65401
• Location: KABUL, AF