ANSF lead counter insurgency mission, find IED

Photo By Sgt. Brian Smith-Dutton | An OH-58D Kiowa helicopter assigned to Task Force No Mercy assists with operations by providing air coverage to U.S. Soldiers with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans", 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), in Nadir Shah Kot District, Khowst Province, Afghanistan, Jan. 12, 2013. The mission aimed at gathering information from village elders and disrupt possible insurgent activity in the area. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brian Smith-Dutton/Released)  

KHOWST PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

01.13.2013

Story by Spc. Brian Smith-Dutton 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Members of the Afghan National Army and Afghan Uniformed Police partnered with soldiers of 2nd Platoon, Troop C, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team "Rakkasans," 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), while conducting a foot patrol in mountains of Nadir Shah Kot district, Khowst province, Afghanistan, Jan. 12, 2013.

While on patrol, the Afghan National Security Forces, or ANSF, successfully identified and neutralized an improvised explosive device buried alongside a nearby road.

The ANSF led the counterinsurgency mission as they questioned village elders, searched homes and gathered information to help identify suspected insurgents and their strongholds. During the mission, soldiers of 1-33 Cavalry, provided over-watch security for their Afghan counter-parts while assisting and advising only when needed.

This mission is a full demonstration of the growing capabilities of the ANSF as they progress towards fully-independent operations.

• Date Taken: 01.13.2013
• Date Posted: 01.30.2013 05:11
• Story ID: 101222
• Location: KHOWST PROVINCE, AF