Key districts in Zabul Province transition to Afghan security lead

ZABUL PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

11.28.2012

Story by Senior Airman Patrice Clarke 

Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SMART, Afghanistan -- Key leaders from throughout Zabul Province, including provincial Gov. Mohammad Ashraf Naseri, members of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, and key leaders of the International Security Assistance Force, were on hand for the ceremony at Forward Operating Base Eagle that marked the transfer of responsibility of three districts within Zabul Province from ISAF to Afghan security forces Nov. 28.

The ceremony was one of a series of transitions, referred to as Tranches, which have been held throughout various provinces and districts in Afghanistan. They began in May 2012 at the behest of Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Tranche 3 encompasses 122 districts and includes all provincial capitals participating in the transfer of ISAF-led to Afghan-led security forces. After the completion of Tranche 3, more than 75 percent of the people of Afghanistan will live in areas overseen by Afghan National Security Forces.

During the ceremony, Naseri thanked the members of ISAF for the job they did and thanked the members of the ANA and ANP for the dedication they’ve displayed toward the citizens of Zabul province.

“Today is a special day for the Afghan Government,” Naseri said. “I think today is good day because day-by-day our force becomes stronger and the trust between the Zabul people and Afghan forces also become stronger. You [The ANA and ANP] have done a great job; today you take responsibility from ISAF for the security of the people of Zabul.”

Naseri also said that, although the transfer primarily concerns security, it encompasses far more.

“The transfer of security is not the only issue, we have to take responsibility of all problems like education and agriculture,” Naseri said. “The Afghan government in Zabul has to be able to respond the questions of the Zabul people.”

The governor said that education is the key to success in the province.

“Most of the schools in the province are open, but 80 percent of those schools have children sitting on the ground without adequate equipment,” Naseri said. “Peace and progress comes when a man allows his sons to get an education.”

Ambassador Jonathan Addleton, the senior civilian representative for Regional Command-South, also commented on the necessity of education within the province.

“I truly believe that in regards to Zabul, education is essential,” Addleton said. “To the governor and all the citizens of Zabul, congratulations on this day; this is the end of one chapter but the beginning of another. I appreciate the fact that I can be here to be a part of the closing of one chapter and the opening of another.”

• Date Taken: 11.28.2012
• Date Posted: 12.01.2012 09:36
• Story ID: 98599
• Location: ZABUL PROVINCE, AF