Combined forces help return Panerak to government of Afghanistan control

BADGHIS PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

06.22.2011

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Jarod Perkioniemi 

19th Public Affairs Detachment

BADGHIS PROVINCE, Afghanistan – A joint operation involving Afghan national security forces and U.S. special operations forces took place in the Panerak village, Morghab District, Badghis province, June 7-15.

Afghan Commandos from the 4th and 9th Kandak partnered with USSOF, helped establish the Panerak Afghan Local Police, returning control of the village to the government of Afghanistan.

During the operation, combined forces were attacked and returned fire, killing more than 20 insurgents. In addition, 24 family members assisted the ALP during the engagement by acting as additional security for civilians who had been displaced by the insurgent attack.

After security was established, ALP checkpoints were created throughout the village. The checkpoints will provide further security and enable future governance and developmental improvement efforts in Panerak.

The bazaar manager and Afghan Commandos used loud speakers to broadcast the re-opening of the village bazaar and praise the ALP for bringing security to the village.

Afterward, villagers helped the ALP and Commandos clean the bazaar before reopening their shops, to help bring legal commerce back to the village.

USSOF also assisted Afghan citizens in identifying future development projects, to include repairing wells and improving the recently reopened clinic.

Major Ahmad Wali, ANA education officer, released a radio statement promoting the GoA and ALP in Panerak.

“The people of Panerak now have security because of the GoA and the ALP,” Wali said.

Wali also encouraged Afghan citizens to stand up against insurgents and to remain strong because the ANSF is standing by their side.

Historically, insurgents used Panerak village as an operational and logistical command center for insurgent activity in the Morghab district.

• Date Taken: 06.22.2011
• Date Posted: 06.22.2011 03:37
• Story ID: 72518
• Location: BADGHIS PROVINCE, AF