ANSF, coalition special operations forces provide security, destroy unexploded ordnance

Photo By Spc. Robin Davis | A commando from the Afghan National Army, 5th Commando Kandak, watches for suspicious activity during a shura in Pul-e Khumri district, Baghlan province, Afghanistan, Feb. 10. The shura provided an opportunity for the commandos, Afghan Local Police, Afghan National Police and local leaders to work closely together with one another.  

BAGHLAN PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

03.05.2012

Story by Staff Sgt. Cody Sedlacek 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

BAGHLAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A combined force of Afghan National Army commandos, Afghan Local Police, and coalition special operations forces spent a week providing security patrols and disposing of unexploded ordnance during an operation in Pul-E-Khumri district.

“We often partner with ALP, but now we have an opportunity work with elite commandos,” said a coalition special operations forces adviser. “Their training cycle is a little longer than that of the ALP, and it was great to see them share their knowledge with [the ALP].”

The combined force spent several days patrolling key routes and took time to meet with village elders and discuss local security and development concerns.

“We have always known that the ALP are full-fledged partners with the rest of the Afghan National Security Forces, and now everyone can see with their own eyes that everyone is working toward the same goal,” said the coalition special operations forces adviser. “The elders know the ALP, and see them working with the commandos and coalition SOF.”

During the week, the Shahabuddin Community Center opened and the combined forces attended the ceremony, providing security for those in attendance.

“The local citizens witnessed the cooperation between the ALP, commandos and the Afghan Uniformed Police who were also present,” said a coalition special operations forces team leader. “The commandos made a concerted effort to engage the local citizens, realizing they are representatives of the Afghan government, and wanting the people to know that the government is there for them.”

During the patrols through the district, the combined forces discovered numerous components used to make improvised explosive devices and other harmful materials. The commandos used the opportunity to teach ALP members some basics about demolition, as well as how to handle ordnance safely.

One ALP member remarked he felt that disposing of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices was the most important part of his job because it meant that children won’t find and play with the explosives.

After the operation was complete, the combined forces all expressed how they thought the joint operation was a huge success, and that continued cooperation was the key.

“We are working shoulder-to-shoulder with the ALP and commandos in a partnership at a very tactical level,” said Lt. Col. Michael D. Jason, Task Force Balkh commander. “They [ALP and commandos] have absolute commitment to fighting this enemy and providing for their people. Our soldiers are consistently awed by that commitment.”

• Date Taken: 03.05.2012
• Date Posted: 03.05.2012 04:19
• Story ID: 84727
• Location: BAGHLAN PROVINCE, AF