HERAT PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces executed numerous clearing operations Dec. 19 - 20, in Shindand district’s Aliabad village, Herat province.
Afghan special forces and commandos of the 4th Special Operations Kandak conducted the operations to carry forward momentum gained during an Afghan National Army 207th Corps clearing operation that happened in November.
Insurgents use the village, which sits at the base of Kohe Khaypan Mountain in Zerekoh Valley, as a waypoint for smuggling weapons and explosives.
During the operations, Afghan special operations soldiers met with village leaders to discuss their security needs, find a way to reduce the Taliban’s influence and improve the villagers’ quality of life.
The commandos say that working with the villagers will help enforce the partnership and understanding between Afghanistan’s military forces and its civilian population.