British and Afghan forces continue Operation Tor Shezada (Black Prince) in Central Helmand

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.31.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - British forces led by 1st Battalion, The Duke Of Lancaster's Regiment, launched an operation to further squeeze insurgents in Central Helmand, July 31.

Operation Tor Shezada - Black Prince - was planned and is being executed by International Security Assistance Force forces working hand-in-hand with their Afghan counterparts.

British troops will partner with Afghan forces from 3rd Brigade, 215 Corps to clear insurgents from Sayedebad to the south of Nad-e Ali in Helmand province, in parallel to similar operations by the U.S. Marine Corps in Northern Marjah.

"During the early hours of Saturday, under the cover of darkness, the joint ISAF and Afghan Operation Tor Shezada (Black Prince) launched successfully. The operation is currently ongoing and reports back from the commanders on the ground say it is progressing according to plan," said Lt. Col. James Carr-Smith, Task Force Helmand spokesperson.

"Operation Tor Shezada will continue the momentum generated by Operation Moshtarak earlier this year. Its aims are very much supported by local Afghans living in and around the area of Sayedebad. They are keen that insurgents be removed so that they can live, work and travel there safely," Carr-Smith continued.

Although significantly smaller than previous operations in this area, Operation Tor Shezada will push insurgent fighters further from the population areas successfully cleared by previous elements of Operation Moshtarak. It follows the same pattern of shape, clear, hold, build that has characterized the wider operation and shaping operations have been carried out in preparation for it.

The Afghan government will begin stabilization activities as soon as conditions allow, including the refurbishment of Sayedebad school and health clinic. The British-run Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand will support this activity with projects of its own, including 'cash for work' programs which employ locals to develop their own communities.

• Date Taken: 07.31.2010
• Date Posted: 08.02.2010 09:28
• Story ID: 53817
• Location: KABUL, AF