HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Village elders, Afghanistan government representatives, Afghan National Security Forces and coalition special operations forces worked together handing out humanitarian assistance items to citizens in the Mirmandab village, Nahr-e Saraj District, July 31.
To demonstrate their respect for the Islamic religion, SOF members assisted village elders in providing items, such as prayer rugs, sandals and Sindhi caps for the month of Ramadan, an Islamic holiday.
More than 80 heads-of-households visited the event to accept humanitarian assistance handouts on behalf of their families. The Afghan government officials’ and security forces’ demonstration of genuine goodwill and ability to provide for the people was well received.
“It is good to see the [elders] and ANSF working with the [coalition forces] to help bring stability to Mirmandab,” a villager said.
The event also helped strengthen the positive outlook on coalition forces and their presence in the area.
Following the humanitarian event, coalition forces sat down with ANSF leaders, Afghan government representatives and village elders to discuss future plans, such as road development and increased security after Ramadan.