KABUL, Afghanistan – Dozens of service members from Afghanistan, Turkey and the U.S. joined a ceremony opening a new Afghan National Army installation in eastern Kabul, April 24.
Forward Operating Base Bhut Khak, the new $4.4 million facility, will house the 600 soldiers of the 3rd Kandhak, 1st Brigade, who are responsible for the security throughout the eastern corridor of Kabul.
Those soldiers will immediately take the lead in security operations throughout the area.
“This is a beautiful forward operating base, and a fine job by our contractor,” said U.S. Army Brig Gen. Guy Cosentino, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan’s deputy commanding general for Regional Support. “But, it’s only stone and sand. What defends the people of Kabul is the bravery of the soldiers of the 3/1 Kandhak of the army of Afghanistan, who will occupy this base.”
The 90,000 square foot complex, by design, is largely self-contained. Besides living areas, Bhut Khak has generators, water wells and both dry- and cold-food storage inside the HESCO-barrier lined perimeter.
The Afghan flag now flying over Bhut Khak signals the ANA’s presence in the area, and serves as warning to the enemy forces.
“Every base like FOB Bhut Khak that is defended by the soldiers and the sons of Afghanistan is a dagger in the heart of the enemy,” said Consentino. “This is a very proud day for our alliance. It is one more step in forging a shirt of steel for the people of Kabul, to be secure in their homes at night.”
Another Kabul-area forward operating base is scheduled to open before the end of May.
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