Afghan National Security Forces conduct clearing operations in the Nawa District

GHAZNI, AFGHANISTAN

08.31.2011

Story by Spc. Ashley Bowman 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

GHAZNI, Afghanistan- Select members of the Afghan National Army advised and assisted by coalition special operations forces conducted simultaneous clearing operations in the Nawa District, Aug. 29.

During the operation, the combined elements found and destroyed over 2,700 kg of improvised explosive device materials, ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate aluminum, said an ANA team leader.

"We also detained two persons of interest regarding insurgent activity in the area," said the ANA team leader.

The partnered force conducted the mission to deny insurgents’ ability to operate and store weapons in the area, while also providing security to the citizens near Anda and Dagar villages. Historically, the villages have been used as key routes for insurgent movement, said a coalition special operations forces team member.

Following the operation, the ranking ANA team leader conducted an engagement with villagers to explain the purpose of the mission, while hearing their concerns and issues regarding security in the area.

"I let the people know that the Government of Afghanistan is dedicated to providing security in the district and mitigating insurgent activity," said an ANA team leader.

"Afghan forces are establishing a consistent presence to the local residents of Nawa which is producing a positive support system for Afghan National Security Forces in the area," said a coalition special operations forces team leader. "This significantly impacts the insurgent's ability to hurt innocent people and conduct operations against Afghan National Security Forces."

This marks the second successful operation conducted by the Afghan force with no civilian casualties or property damage.

• Date Taken: 08.31.2011
• Date Posted: 09.05.2011 06:41
• Story ID: 76454
• Location: GHAZNI, AF