Afghan security forces commemorate the opening of civil projects in Taliban birthplace

Photo By Sgt. Melissa Stewart | The Afghanistan national flag waves in the breeze during the ceremony in Sangsar, Sept 19. Sangsar is the former home of Taliban founder, Mullah Omar.  

SANGSAR, AFGHANISTAN

09.19.2011

Story by Capt. Kevin Sandell 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

ZHARAY DISTRICT, KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – In the village of Sangsar, the hometown of Mullah Omar and birthplace of the Taliban, Afghan locals and Afghan security forces celebrated the opening of a school, a village bazaar, and a sports complex, during a ceremony, Sept. 19.

As a giant Afghan flag waved in the air, key local leaders and Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin L.Hill, International Security Assistance Force Command Sergeant Major, attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new local projects. CSM Hill made remarks about Afghanistan’s long and rich history, and the significance of opening a school in Sangsar. Also during the ceremony, a bazaar and a sports complex complete with volley ball courts, a soccer field and a playground were opened.

The opening of a school in Sangsar is immensely significant because of the region’s long history with the Taliban and shows great gains in security of the region. There was no sign of Taliban aggression towards the opening of the school, bazaar or the sports complex. The Taliban is notorious for being opposed to any form of education as well as any schools built by ISAF and Afghan security forces.

A crowd of Afghan villagers gathered to watch the ceremony, and were excited to have the new community projects completed in their village. Children immediately began playing on the playground and toured the new school.

CSM Hill commended the Afghan National Security Forces and the Spartan Brigade for their hard work and dedication to providing security to the villagers of Sangsar.

• Date Taken: 09.19.2011
• Date Posted: 09.24.2011 14:58
• Story ID: 77534
• Location: SANGSAR, AF