Leaders discuss border security at BSSM

Courtesy Photo | Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Votel, deputy commander of operations, Combined Joint Task Force-82, listens to recommendations on how to stop the flow of insurgents and narcotics across the Afghan - Pakistan border here March 17. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Timothy Dinneen)  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

03.19.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Sgt. Timothy Dinneen
Regional Command-East Public Affairs


BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Military leaders representing the Pakistani Army, Afghan National Security Forces and Combined Joint Task Force-82 met at a Border Security Subcommittee Meeting here March 17 to discuss how to slow illegal human and narcotics flow across the 1,550 mile Afghanistan - Pakistan border.

The objectives of the meeting were to increase confidence to control the border between BSSM participants, develop their relationships, and improve communications, coordination and cooperation of the neighboring countries to achieve a common goal of a more stable Afghanistan.

"We would like to see joint plans so all sides are aware of each others operations and positions," said Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Votel, deputy commanding general of operations, CJTF-82.

The meeting has had a positive effect building trust between tactical commanders of the two countries amidst problems that hinder both partners regarding insurgent and illegal narcotics coming and going from the border, according to Afghan National Army Maj. Gen. Khaliq, commander, 203rd Corps.

"My hope for the new year is to stop the illegal crossings," said Khaliq. "There are still disputes among parties because problems persist while we have the power to solve them."

Khaliq said despite the challenges that lie ahead pertaining to the border; the Pakistan - Afghan alliance have made progress and were able to accomplish some of their objectives from their meeting last year.

"We should use all our power to get rid of the enemy," concluded Khaliq. "We need to do more."

Pakistan Brig. Gen. Khan Janjua-Nasser, division military operations, complimented the ANSF on their progress in building an independent and functional fighting force establishing international credibility, which the Pakistan military has complete confidence in.

"We wish to support all activities that will bring peace and support to Afghanistan including the border," said Nasser. "We are always prepared to cooperate whatever the tasks and are proud of the 11 joint operations conducted last year."

Nasser did cite problems with the current operations such as border posts positioned in a manner that seems to oppose each other rather than reinforce each other as well as the lack of sufficient Afghan troops to patrol the vast border.

He explained the mountainous border could be as high as 24,700 ft. and as low as 2,030 ft. creating hard to patrol areas that the enemy can penetrate. There are more than 340 routes where there are no checks on either side of the border, according to Nasser.

"It's a treacherous border to control and with the posts set up the way they are now, border security becomes unilateral that puts the responsibility on us," Nasser said. "We must utilize both sides."

The Pakistani general also said human infiltration is not the only concern crossing the border. Illegal narcotics are also high on the list.

"World figures forecast a 50-60 percent increase in narcotics from last year, which is very serious," Nasser said. "This money goes somewhere and it is with this money that keeps things in turmoil and finances the enemy."

According to CJTF-82, the enemy is using Paktika and Khowst Provinces as their main vein of entry into Afghanistan. Furthermore, Coalition forces are forecasting an increase of attacks compared to last year tracking border movement and recent clashes occurring on both sides of the border.

"Collectively, we are committed and must do everything we can to stop this," Nasser said. "We wish CJTF-82 a good start and appreciate you coming a long way from your homes. We are with you in every effort."

• Date Taken: 03.19.2007
• Date Posted: 03.19.2007 12:09
• Story ID: 9492
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF