GIRoA Revisited: ANSF, Coalition forces visit with Afghans in Zabul province, thwart attack

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

07.16.2010

Story by Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces thwarted an insurgent attack July 16, following a visit with villagers in Zabul province.

The combined forces team was meeting with villagers as part of an engagement initiative aimed at building relationships and increasing awareness regarding Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan goals and objectives.

Following meetings with Afghan villagers in the Deh Chopan district, the partnered force was engaged by insurgents using machine guns and AK-47's from multiple firing positions.

During the engagement, the combined force returned fire and called in close air support to drop precision guided munitions on the insurgent firing positions. Several insurgents were killed in the engagement while others fled the scene.

“One of the goals of international forces is to disrupt Taliban and insurgent activities, destroying their safe havens, and then enhancing security, governance, and development,” said Maj. Paul Oliver, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan spokesperson.

Many rural areas of Afghanistan have never known centralized governance and lack basic social services and infrastructure. Coalition officials said they will continue to partner with Afghan Security forces to enhance development in rural areas and increase connections with the central government.

• Date Taken: 07.16.2010
• Date Posted: 07.18.2010 07:11
• Story ID: 53004
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF