LAGHMAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The 1st Battalion 179th Infantry, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team recently conducted a joint air assault operation that took place in several valleys surrounding Bad Pakh district, and included soldiers the Afghan National Army’s 1st Brigade, 201st Corps and members of the Afghan Uniform Police.
This is the first battalion-wide joint operation securing crucial areas of Laghman province. The operation only strengthened the partnership between the 201st Corps and 45th IBCT showing the Afghan Security Forces taking the lead.
“They have a great advantage here,” said Capt. Brent Weece, commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry, referring to partnering with Afghan forces taking the lead in navigating through the terrain. “That’s why we are partnered.”
The units were air lifted in and made their way down the mountains to search villages for Improvised Explosive Device making materials, small arms caches, and illegal drugs. The mission was to search the villages of the valley for any illegal activity, and to re-establish security in the valleys surrounding Bad Pakh district.
A fire fight broke out early in the operation resulting in two Coalition injuries whose wounds were not serious. Five insurgents were killed in the process by air strikes. No civilians were injured during the week-long joint operation that resulted in finding several weapons caches, more than 200 pounds of opium, an IED and components used to make suicide vests.
In another valley joint forces spoke with local village leaders about the safety and security of the region. The village elders were humble, inviting and allowed the Afghan forces to search the villages for caches. The leaders in the Shura also discussed expanding basic amenities deeper into the rural areas in the valleys. The elders spoke of needing roads, electrical power and a medical clinic when the area becomes more secure.
Agribusiness Development and Provincial Reconstructions teams usually work in the more secure areas since their primary goal is to build sustainable infrastructure for the districts. The teams are planning for a research and development farm and a District Center in the area.
The 45th IBCT also conducted the largest aerial resupply since the their involvement in Operation Enduring Freedom flying in more than two tons of water, food, and supplies for coalition forces and their Afghan counterparts in several different locations. Crews on ground along with UH-60 Black Hawks worked night and day to make sure the units were properly resupplied throughout the operation.
“Resupply is the lifeblood of the operation,” said Capt. John Fagan, the Headquarters, Headquatrers Company, 179th Infantry logistics officer.
Without being resupplied, soldiers cannot stay in the field for more than a few days.
| Date Taken: |
10.23.2011 |
| Date Posted: |
10.23.2011 06:56 |
| Story ID: |
78876 |
| Location: |
LAGHMAN PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: |
217 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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This work, Partnered operations secure southern Laghman, by SPC Leslie Goble, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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