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ZHARAY DISTRICT, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces took the lead during Operation Kalak Hode IV, a joint mission to clear insurgent safe havens and increase security and stability for the people in Zharay and Maiwand Districts, alongside International Security Assistance Forces, July 3 to July 17.
The operation took place after the responsibility of security for Kandahar province, which includes Zharay and Maiwand districts, transitioned from ISAF to ANSF, July 1. The Afghan National Army’s 205th Infantry Corps leads the ANSF in the area. They are partnered with the 82nd Airborne Division.
The 3rd Brigade, 205th Inf. Corps leads Unified Command Team Zharay Maiwand, a partnered force consisting of the ANA, Afghan National Police, Afghan Local Police, Civil Order Police and 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division were responsible for Zharay and Maiwand Districts. The partnered forces removed a large quantity of enemy munitions during Kalak Hode IV.
The two-week operation saw 160 improvised explosive devices removed, 140 of which were pressure-plate IEDs, by ANSF and ISAF.
Coalition forces recovered 1,427 lbs. of homemade explosives throughout the operation. Also removed were one 155 mm rocket, 29 mortar rounds, 18 recoilless rifle rounds, two rocket-propelled grenades and 345 heavy-machine gun rounds.
ANSF and ISAF built multiple new combat operation posts throughout the districts to project power and influence, increasing security for the Soldiers and villagers.
“Our increased security allows us to see where the enemy is coming from and help prevent IED placement threats,” said Sgt. James Matychowiak, a squad designated marksman in 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company.
Many of these COPs are permanent establishments the ANSF will use as central locations to recruit and train their future comrades.
“The people defending this area should be the ones that live here,” said 1st Lt. Samuel C. Herbert, the platoon leader for 2nd Plt, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. “The local people know who the enemy is and what’s out of the ordinary.”
The partnerships between ANSF and ISAF foster improvements across the districts and are making way for a smooth transition once coalition forces leave the country.
“We will continue to coach our Afghan counterparts so that they can continue to succeed after we leave,” 1st Lt. Herbert said.
Kalak Hode IV is an example of Unified Command Team Zharay Maiwand can accomplish when the ANSF and U.S. partners work together for a common goal.
“There was help whatever the mission,” said Sgt. Jeremiah Hampton, a sniper team leader with Scout Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. “Soldiers knew things needed to be done, so they pulled together to accomplish the task and bring everyone back safe.”
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2012 09:08 |
| Story ID: | 91803 |
| Location: | AF |
| Web Views: | 214 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, ANSF, ISAF work towards a common goal, by TSgt Tyler Meister, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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