ANSF-ISAF Partnership Stabilizing Southern Badghis Province

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

06.14.2010

Courtesy Story

Marine Forces, Special Operations Command

KABUL, Afghanistan — Since October 2009, Afghan National Security Forces have partnered with a team of 4th Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division and U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations Forces to establish security and support an Afghan government presence in Muqor district, Badghis province.

Before "Team Battle," as the force is called, established Combat Outpost Husker outside of Muqor, there was no long-term coalition presence in the area. Qal-e-Naw was the closest coalition outpost, and the Taliban could move about mostly undeterred as Afghan National Police did not have enough personnel to stop them.

"Before we began to maintain a presence here, the enemy had complete freedom of movement to the north," said Capt. Joey Nickel, commander of Team Battle. "Now that we've established the joint force presence, conducted joint patrols, and expanded security in the area, the bubble we've created for the populace has curbed Taliban influence."

As a result of the increased security in the valley, support for the Afghan government has begun to increase. "People have a need to feel safe, and people are happy with the increased security," said Moqur ANP Chief Lt. Col Obaidullah Nyabzada.

"It's gotten a lot better. The thing is, as you support security, you expand support for the government," added Nickel. A team of Marine Corps Special Operations Forces along with their partners, the Afghan National Army's 3/1/207th Kandak arrived in Muqor in early April. The force allowed Team Battle and the Muqor District ANP to expand their reach, and security in the valley.

"The interaction with the Marines has been great," said Nickel. "They understand the plan that we've laid out for the valley."

The newly formed partnership has already produced a better understanding of the district.

"We've complemented Team Battle by bringing specialized equipment and capabilities to the battlefield," said a Marine Corps Special Operations Forces operator. "This has led to the enhancement of district security by engaging the populace and developing the human terrain."

Before ANSF and ISAF forces established security in Muqor, there were no safe routes to Qal-E-Naw that could be travelled without Taliban harassment and taxation. Now there are multiple roads that are safe to travel between the two towns. The ability for people to move freely about the valley and to Qal-e-Naw has had a noticeable effect. The ANP can now visit areas not possible before, allowing them to interact with more of the population and bring the Afghan government to places it hasn't been before.

• Date Taken: 06.14.2010
• Date Posted: 06.14.2010 09:32
• Story ID: 51342
• Location: KABUL, AF