PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of the 505th Afghan Uniformed Police welcomed Afghan National Security Force, civilian and coalition leaders to the 505th AUP Zone headquarters to welcome in Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, March 21.

Nowruz marks the coming of spring and is the beginning of the Afghan year. It is celebrated widely throughout areas with strong Persian ties and has roots in the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism. In Afghanistan today, most people are unaware of Nowruz’s ancient roots, but Afghans everywhere return home and participate in traditional festivities.

Civilian and ANSF leaders welcomed in year 1390 by planting trees, eating traditional foods and dancing to the music of local musicians.

“This event signifies the forward progress in Afghanistan,” said U.S. Army Maj. Rob Mcnellis of Helena, Mont., Task Force Phoenix operations officer.

The 505th Zone Nowruz celebration was hosted by 505th AUP Zone Commander Maj. Gen. Gul Nabi Ahmed Zai.

“I wish you good luck and blessings in the new year,” said Ahmed Zai. “I am optimistic about the future, in the last year we had many accomplishments.”

The mood at the celebration was festive, but security force and civilian leaders used the opportunity to discuss future operations and their plans to bring both increased security and good governance to the region.

“The security situation here in Paktya has improved, but we have a tough spring and summer ahead of us; we must work with the ANSF to ensure that we provide security for the people,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Uberti, Combined Joint Task Force-101 and Regional Command – East deputy commanding general for Afghan development.

Traditionally the end of winter signals an increase in insurgent activity, but coalition and ANSF leaders are hopeful that recent cache finds and better coordination among security agencies will quell insurgent attempts to destabilize the region.

Members of the 505th AUP shared Uberti’s concerns, but appeared resolved and confident about the region’s future.

“Enemy activity is planned for the spring, but we will not allow them to succeed, said Afghan Uniformed Police Capt. Haqiar, 505th Zone Quick Reaction Force commander. “The insurgents make a lot of claims, but it just propaganda.”

As Afghans welcome year 1390, civilian and security force leaders across the country continue to plan, prepare and hope for a better future.

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