By Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen Hickok
Regional Command-West Public Affairs
GHOWR, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force commander visited the Lithuanian Provincial Reconstruction Team, Chagcharan District, Ghowr province, Feb. 10, and addressed ongoing issues in the district.
U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus discussed the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Program, security, governance and development with Dr. Abdullah Hawaid, Ghowr Provincial governor; Lithuanian Col. Remigijus Baltrėnas, PRT commander; and U.S. Agency for International Development representatives.
“Our success is your success,” said Petraeus. “I congratulate you on a great effort to combine security forces in this key area.”
The first platoon of Afghan National Army soldiers arrived in Ghowr Jan. 31. Since then, attacks against coalition and Afghan National Security Forces have decreased.
Petraeus was briefed on the state of the ANA, Afghan National Police, reconstruction and APRP milestones in Ghowr.
Hawaid took control of Ghowr province two months ago, and through innovative governing tactics, he has roughly 500 possible insurgents ready to enter the APRP, according to statements he made at a Jan. 31 meeting, when the first ANA platoon arrived.
There are roughly 10 insurgent groups operating in Ghowr, said Hawaid, citing that Ghowr is a bridge between Helmand province and the North.
As winter gives way to spring, insurgents traditionally become more active and increase attacks against forces supporting the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
This year, insurgents will have a newly trained platoon of ANA to contend with, and the increased security will significantly hinder anti-Afghan activities.
Once the insurgents reintegrate into normal lives, development will follow, said Hawaid.
(U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Wallace contributed to this article.)
| Date Taken: |
02.10.2011 |
| Date Posted: |
02.10.2011 11:37 |
| Story ID: |
65159 |
| Location: |
GHOWR PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: |
151 |
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0 |
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