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By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga
KABUL, Afghanistan – Positive gains were made towards Afghanistan’s security transition this week, despite protests resulting from a Florida pastor’s burning of the Quran, an act condemned by Afghanistan and International Security Assistance Force’s leadership.
Operations conducted by the Afghan National Army and coalition forces elite strengthened security in the provinces of Kandahar and Kunar last week.
A series of operations conducted by Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces put pressure on the insurgents in Kunar province and re-secured an area that had been gained back by the insurgents, said German Army Brig. Gen. Josef Blotz, ISAF spokesman, during a press conference held today.
“These short-lived gains by the insurgents will become rare in the future,” said Blotz.
“Afghan National Security Forces and their coalition force partners have shown time and time again that they will pursue the insurgents until the people of the Kunar province and beyond are secure through operations such as this,” said Lt. Col. J.B. Vowell, commander, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, in a press release about the operations in Kunar last week. “The enemies of the Afghan people have no safe havens, nowhere they can hide.”
In Kandahar province, members of the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak and the Afghan National Civil Order Police, advised and assisted by U.S. service members from Special Operations Task Force – South, extended security to a rural region of Panjwai district in a clearing operation, March 29, said Blotz.
This extension of security was another loss for the insurgents.
“The operation allowed [Afghan National Security Forces] to project their presence in a place traditionally known as a staging area for insurgents traveling in and around Kandahar province,” said Panjwai Deputy Chief of Police, Mohibullah, SOTF-South team leader on the ground, in an ISAF press release.
There were no civilian casualties or property damage reported during that operation, a testament to the training of those who conducted the operation.
Even more of those specially trained ANA members joined the ranks of the commandos this week.
More than 200 ANA soldiers completed their transition to the elite commandos during a graduation ceremony, March 30. This class brings the number of Afghan Commandos to more than 5,200 soldiers. These soldiers are specially trained to conduct high-risk missions, such as securing areas held by insurgents, like the mission in Kandahar, and capturing key insurgent leaders.
“You are now among those whose name strikes fear into the minds of the enemy - a commando with the support of the people who will bring peace to the country of Afghanistan,” said Brig. Gen. Dadon Lawang, 1st Commando Brigade commander, during the graduation ceremony. “This ceremony is a great honor, and marks the beginning of your career as one of Afghanistan’s greatest sons, who serve their country with honor and bravery.”
| Date Taken: | 04.04.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2011 11:15 |
| Story ID: | 68236 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 351 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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