Afghan police prepare to take over security in Marjah

MARJAH, AFGHANISTAN

02.24.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Tyler Reiriz 

1st Marine Division

MARJAH, Afghanistan - Afghan police officer Sgt. Gulabshaw said he wanted “peace and security.” That is why he joined the Afghan National Civil Order Police two years ago.

“When I was young the Soviets were here, and after that there was civil war,” said Gulabshaw. “There is a government now, we don’t need to have war.”

Gulabshaw and the other officers in his unit assisted Marines of Regimental Combat Team 5 Police Advisory Team operating a vehicle security check point here Feb. 24 – a fraction of his efforts to provide peace and security in his country.

The Marines provided security for ANCOP officers as they interacted with locals passing through the checkpoint. The officers searched vehicles and pedestrians, checked identification cards, and spoke to everyone who passed.

Lieutenant Kandagha, the unit commander, said he joined ANCOP to serve the people of Afghanistan.

The ANCOP officers here work together with Marines of the regimental combat team to provide security for the people of Marjah, Afghanistan. Kandagha said he has seen improvements in the security of the city since he first arrived.

“The most important thing is to keep good relations with the people. By doing that we can keep good security here,” he said. “They will be motivated to support us.”

Kandagha said he and his men will continue to work with Marines and other police to keep Marjah safe.

“It is going day by day, from good to better,” said Kandagha. “It shows that in the future it will go from better to best.”

• Date Taken: 02.24.2012
• Date Posted: 03.08.2012 07:25
• Story ID: 84913
• Location: MARJAH, AF