Coalition and partnered forces repair At Tanf water well

Courtesy Photo | Members of Maghawir al-Thawra work to repair a water well in At Tanf Garrison in southern Syria for partner forces fighting ISIS and locals in the area. The water well is capable of supplying more than 317,000 gallons of water daily. (U.S. Army courtesy photo)  

AT TANF, SYRIA

05.18.2017

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve   

SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition and partnered Vetted Syrian Opposition forces repaired a water well capable of producing more than 317,000 gallons of water a day in southern Syria, May 4.

Currently, water resources are limited in the region and ISIS controls the other water wells leaving few options for local Bedouins. Taking away resources furthers the Coalition and partner forces mission to defeat ISIS.

“The area was controlled by ISIS a little more than a year ago. Now, through the dedicated effort of partner forces, it has been reclaimed and serves as a base of operations to facilitate their defeat,” said U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Gookins, a civil affairs team leader. “Now that partner forces have a working well, it’s another huge milestone achieved by the VSO in an effort to create sustainability for themselves.”

The well has been in disrepair since 2011 after the mass exodus of civilians seeking refuge from ISIS.

Repairing the well was not an easy task for the VSO.

After Coalition civil affairs troops assessed the well, the team discovered the motor pump was beyond repair and needed to be replaced.

“When they needed to have parts made, the VSO was very resourceful and resilient in using their own networks and contacts to move the project along,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Droppo, a civil affairs specialist. “It was really was a boost of confidence for them.”

Coalition and partner forces worked diligently to forge this partnership. The well project is one of many joint ventures to strengthen their relationship while building confidence within the VSO forces.

For now, the well water will be used for hygiene and cooking until after all the testing is complete to make sure the water’s potable.

“I’m really excited to see some water come out of it,” said Droppo. “I’m happy to see the project get where it is today.”

The coalition and VSO have seen their share of obstacles in completing the project. Among them - finding repair parts, locating appropriate contractors and vendors, and crushing ISIS during a recent attack on the garrison. Though the Coalition presence in the harsh landscape of the Hamid Desert is temporary, Coalition troops and partner forces continue to build new relationships and find new signs of life.

For additional information, contact CJTF-OIR Public Affairs Office at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 05.18.2017
• Date Posted: 05.18.2017 03:57
• Story ID: 234212
• Location: AT TANF, SY