By Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan Public Affairs Office
KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers, soldiers from the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan, and soldiers with Company B, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment combined forces to conduct Operation November Rain in Paktya province, Afghanistan, Nov. 28-30.
The ANA and U.S. Special Forces conducted an air assault operation into Amir Khel, south of Combat Outpost Dand Patan to conduct presence patrols and key leader engagements.
“We are here to provide the ANA with additional assets in helping to secure their country,” said a U.S. Special Forces company commander. “We were projecting [Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan] presence and strengths in an area where GIRoA had not been previously present.”
The 1-168th soldiers acted as an over-watch and security element throughout the operations duration.
“The entire operation was commando-led, with the ANA conducting fifteen KLEs throughout the three days,” said the USSF company commander.
While apprehensive at first, after explaining the purpose of the combined forces presence throughout the area, the local Afghans began to warm up.
“They were very receptive,” the company commander said. “They asked for a full time GIRoA security presence.”
While the villagers of the Moqbil tribe want to support GIRoA, it is difficult with the insurgent forces coming into their living areas almost nightly, demanding they not cooperate with the combined forces the company commander added.
The company commander said the villagers have been unable to stand up to the intimidation caused by the insurgent forces up to this point.
Ensuring the insurgent forces weren’t sneaking into the villages while the KLEs were being underway, the 1-168th soldiers provided over-watch on a traffic control point on the Afghanistan and Pakistan Border.
“We provided the support the USSF needed to conduct a successful operation,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Mike Broderick, platoon leader with Company B, 1-168th Inf. Regt., from Clive, Iowa.
Without insurgent activity in the area the combined operation was able to take place successfully.
“I am extremely proud to have had the opportunity to conduct this mission with my soldiers interacting with my country-men,” Col. Qata Nabi, commanding officer and native of Roozgan province, 2nd Commando Kandak, 203rd Corps.
| Date Taken: |
11.30.2010 |
| Date Posted: |
12.06.2010 01:21 |
| Story ID: |
61422 |
| Location: |
KHWOST, AF |
| Web Views: |
440 |
| Downloads: |
2 |
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