Afghan National Security Forces give more than 500 Afghans explosives

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

03.13.2009

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan national security forces delivered training in explosive hazard awareness to more than 500 local Afghans in Nad e'Ali, March 1-3.

Operation ROSHANA SERAK, Pashtu for 'cleared and shiny path', is a continuing programme in which members of the Afghan national army and Afghan national police across Helmand province receive training from International Security Assistance Force specialists. Once trained, the ANSF members are then able to provide the training directly to local Afghans.

As part of Operation ROSHANA SERAK, nine ANA and ANP personnel received comprehensive instruction over a two-day period from a British Royal Engineer Explosive Ordinance Disposal team. The ANSF members were taught what to look for in terms of explosive hazards, and how to properly identify the different hazards. Once the ANSF members completed their training, they were provided with training aids, local-language booklets, posters, leaflets and wind-up radios to distribute among the local population.

Following their own training, ANSFs delivered training sessions and training materials to more than 500 men, women and children from the District Centre area of Nad e'Ali, Luy Bagh and Shin Kalay.

The effectiveness of the training was demonstrated March 3. Shortly after a training session held in Shin Kalay had ended, a young boy approached the withdrawing ANSF team and pointed out the presence of an old rocket-propelled grenade warhead in a ditch. The item was subsequently destroyed in a controlled explosion.

• Date Taken: 03.13.2009
• Date Posted: 03.13.2009 04:43
• Story ID: 31065
• Location: KABUL, AF