Nahr-e Saraj district governor promises progress, safety in Helmand

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

08.26.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Osvaldo Equite 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2013 – The Nahr-e Saraj district governor vowed to strengthen district villages Aug. 20, which, he said, will bring safety and progress to the entire Helmand province.

Mohammed Fahim led an independent shura of more than 150 tribal, district and Afghan military leaders in Deh Adam Khan, to streamline various outreach programs in the district. The meeting developed due to the recent security gains in the district made by Afghan National Army Special Forces.

Afghan Special Forces soldiers provided security for the meeting and distributed more than 150 hand crank radios and about 60 eye glasses to villagers during the council, said an Afghan Special Forces soldier. The radios will tell villagers about future programs such as the planned inoculation of cows by the district veterinarian scheduled to begin in a few days.

“We have come here today to talk about issues we are having and to find a solution for the problems,” said Fahim. “The people in this area have suffered from the lack of security for several years because the enemies of peace and the enemies of Afghanistan don’t want us to live in peace.”

The governor urged the people to take ownership of their village and to ensure its peace and stability while discussing future developments. Fahim also sparked discussion about plans in the area after U.S. coalition forces reposition closer to the district center from the Maktab area.

The U.S. soldiers are relocating to district levels to transition governance, security and development in Nahr-e Saraj to district officials while continuing to increase regional stability. The relocation is a significant event. As U.S. forces take a step back, Afghan forces stand independent and capable of taking security leads.

The outreach programs and security efforts are part of an ongoing plan to transition the nearby U.S. base to Afghan control, said district Police Chief Capt. Saymand Hekmatullah. The plan is to make it safe for district leaders to engage with locals and to reposition police checkpoints. This wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing security efforts by Afghan Special Forces.

Key Participants in the council included the National Directorate of Security chief deputy, district community council representatives and Afghan special operations and ALP checkpoint commanders. Their participation underscores the district leaders’ ability to openly communicate and come together to govern their district.

• Date Taken: 08.26.2013
• Date Posted: 08.26.2013 09:06
• Story ID: 112593
• Location: HELMAND PROVINCE, AF