Afghan and coalition forces reclaim key checkpoint in Uruzgan, push out insurgents

URUZGAN, AFGHANISTAN

04.06.2011

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class trevor andersen 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

URUZGAN, Afghanistan - A partnered force of Afghan and coalition soldiers reclaimed a key checkpoint near the village of Kakrak in the Shahid-e-Hassas district of Uruzgan province, April 6.

The checkpoint was taken from Afghan Local Police on March 23 when Taliban insurgents attacked and killed a police commander and several villagers, including a young boy, when firing at a mosque nearby, according to an Afghan National Police official.

A coalition Special Operations team member said the operation was planned and led by Afghan National Security Forces, who were advised and assisted by coalition forces. The combined force was responding to requests by some local citizens to reinstate security measures in the area.

After the partnered force recovered the checkpoint, they received small arms fire from insurgents who were seeking to reclaim their position. With the help of local villagers, the combined force drove out insurgents from the checkpoint area.

An Afghan National Security Force team member said villagers requested a shura with Afghan and coalition officials to discuss future security presence at the checkpoint location.

Checkpoints are essential to maintaining security in the region, according to Afghan and coalition officials. “These checkpoints help prevent improvised explosive devices on the roads that often kill or injure local citizens,” said an ANSF team member.

Afghan officials in Uruzgan province said security gains and holding key ground may be one of the reasons why some Taliban members are seeking reintegration with the government.

“This mission demonstrates to the local populace that their government is capable of leading key security operations in the region,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Arlo Abrahamson, a coalition spokesman. “It also demonstrates the insurgents struggle to retake key areas they’ve lost.”

• Date Taken: 04.06.2011
• Date Posted: 04.10.2011 06:52
• Story ID: 68523
• Location: URUZGAN, AF