KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army commandos with the 3rd Commando Kandak combat advised by coalition special operations forces, recently conducted multiple operations within the Kandahar province.
The commando-led operations resulted in the disruption of insurgent networks, and the discovery and destruction of drug and weapons caches consisting of more than 3,100 pounds of marijuana seeds, several pressure-plate improvised explosive devices, 50 pounds of opium, five rocket-propelled grenade boosters and 160 pounds of hashish.
“Recent operations in Kandahar have been very successful,” said a coalition special operations forces adviser. “They were able to capture a lot of insurgent munitions and prevent further networking in the area.”
After most commando missions, the Kandak leadership hosts a shura with village elders in order to discuss the needs of the village, insurgent activity within the area and better ways to provide support for the villagers. Holding the shura with the local population provides the villagers with the opportunity to communicate face-to-face with Afghan National Security Forces and provides them with a direct link to the men that defend their country.
“The villagers are receptive to security forces being in the area,” added the coalition special operations forces adviser. “The commandos effectively disrupt the insurgents’ ability to hide amongst the population, intimidate and threaten the population, and operate with impunity throughout the area.”
In addition to providing security to the area, the commandos also work with coalition special operations forces to assist in training new Afghan Local Police, who will provide direct security to the villages and also bolster the overall strength of the Afghan National Security Forces.
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