URUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Violent insurgent attacks did little to slow the momentum of security, governance and development initiatives throughout Uruzgan and Zabul provinces, March 7-16.
Insurgents continued attempts to disrupt progress by targeting innocent civilians; however, security patrols, shuras, development projects and an Afghan Local Police graduation went on as planned with the support of Afghan National Security Forces, village elders and coalition Special Operations Forces.
“The commitment of those working toward peace and security is more important now than ever,” said Cmdr. Mike Hayes, commander, Special Operations Task Force - South East. “The winter lull in insurgent activity is coming to a close and the fighting season is about to begin. It is imperative for people across these regions to have faith in ANSF and the government in order to achieve success.”
In the last week, insurgent improvised explosive devices in the provinces maimed or killed nine villagers, mostly women and children.
Two of these IEDs detonated in separate attacks near Yakdan village, Shahid-e Hasas district, Uruzgan province, March 13, injuring two children. One child sustained lacerations and was treated at a local coalition base. However, the second child sustained severe wounds and was medevaced to a different coalition base for intensive care.
Another IED blast in Kalay village on March 15, killed two children, four women and injured one male. Insurgents then ambushed Afghan Uniformed Police members responding to the incident before fleeing the scene. An investigation by ANSF and coalition SOF is ongoing.
ANSF found and reduced 10 additional IEDs throughout the week, preventing further injuries of villagers and coalition SOF operating in the provinces.
On March 13 alone, ANSF discovered and reduced four of those IEDs in Zabul province. The IEDs were pressure-plated and contained 140 pounds of homemade explosives.
“The discovery and destruction of these IEDs shows the insurgents and local populations that ANSF and coalition SOF are committed to providing security to the people of Afghanistan,” said a coalition SOF representative.
In addition to disrupting IED activities, ANSF also successfully defended themselves and local villagers from insurgent attacks.
On March 14, in Arghandab district, Zabul province, insurgents fired on ANSF and coalition SOF conducting a routine patrol near Khanjak village to survey locations for future bridge construction. A three-hour firefight ensued and ANSF effectively defended themselves and the villagers from harm.
“ANSF’s performance in the battle was impressive. It’s clear they are a powerful force against the insurgents,” said a coalition SOF member.
On March 10, in Khas Uruzgan district, Uruzgan province, AUP and Afghan National Army soldiers detained four male insurgent suspects during a unilateral patrol.
Leading up to the arrest, Sakhar villagers approached a local AUP checkpoint to report being harassed by the men. The AUP members notified the Deputy District Chief of Police, who launched an AUP patrol to investigate. The local ANA commander then linked his personnel up with the patrol.
The forces unilaterally cleared a camp used by nomads and located an AUP uniform, a three-gallon jug of ammonium nitrate, homemade explosives, a detonation cord and munitions. ANSF detained the four men after questioning people in the area and determining the suspects had ties to the harassment and insurgent activity.
“The unilateral clearance by the AUP and ANA shows great promise for security and stability in the region,” said a coalition SOF member. “Afghan forces have developed to the point where they’re making big finds.”
While AUP and ANA continue to make notable contributions throughout the region, Afghan Local Police forces at the village level made strides of their own in providing security to the more austere regions of Afghanistan.
Villagers in these remote areas are voicing their support of the ALP program at shuras and nominating candidates to grow the force.
The villagers’ trust and involvement in ANSF, especially ALP, leads to success in the program. This was evident at an ALP graduation in Arghandab district, Uruzgan province, March 8.
Twenty-two volunteers from Bagh village graduated from the three-week training course becoming the newest members of the local police force.
The district governor along with leadership from ANSF and ALP gave congratulatory speeches and emphasized the importance of ALP in securing the local villages, the Arghandab River Valley and their country as a whole.
“This graduation is another indicator of the gradual shift of the population of the valley toward trust and confidence in the district, provincial and national government of Afghanistan,” said a coalition SOF member.
At a shura in Kush Kadir Valley, Chora district, Uruzgan province, March 10, more than 120 village elders joined ALP and ANA leadership to discuss future security issues and ALP manning.
“This Afghan-run shura indicates the elders of the Kush Kadir Valley are taking responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the ALP,” said a coalition SOF member.
“They also used the opportunity to discuss proper channels for villagers to use when reporting intelligence to ANSF and ALP. This type of dialogue highlights their willingness to share in the responsibility for security in the region.”
ANSF and coalition forces joined together throughout the week to work on the region’s ongoing development and educational projects.
A school assessment in Khas Uruzgan district, Uruzgan province, March 8, enabled ANSF and coalition SOF to meet with 20 students and gain a better understanding of specific projects to target for the school’s planned refurbishment.
Approximately 600 students attend the school where 11 teachers instruct 1st-12th grade education in math, reading, history and language studies in English, Pashtu, Urdu and Farsi.
The school’s current facilities are dilapidated; the ceilings are cracked and eroded and the school’s windows and water pump are broken. Students also face threats from insurgents for attending school.
“The assessment of the school allowed for a thorough evaluation on improvements needed to make it a functional school capable of providing the village’s children with a proper educational experience,” said a coalition SOF member.
As government officials and coalition SOF take steps to move development projects forward, the region’s terrain and weather continue to present the team with unique logistical challenges.
In Khas Uruzgan district, Uruzgan province, a snow removal project on March 15, reopened critical passageways previously blocked by heavy snowfall. District government leaders, ANSF, village leaders and coalition SOF provided snow removal tools and equipment to outlying villagers enabling people and cargo to resume movement throughout the district and locals to access medical care facilities. The group also provided winter clothing and agricultural supplies.
In return for the efforts by the district government, the village Maliks pledged continued support of the region’s ALP program.
“ANSF coordinated to find creative solutions to help a community in need,” said a coalition SOF member. “The event demonstrated the district leaders’ determination to provide support to the villagers of Khas Uruzgan.”
The efforts by all levels of local and district governments, ANSF and coalition SOF over the course of the last week show long-term security, development and governance can be attained said Hayes.
“ANSF’s dedication to protect the people and the persistence of the different levels of government improve the lives of Afghans in the face of insurgent violence and continually shows their commitment for a successful, secure and stable Afghanistan,” said Hayes.
| Date Taken: |
03.17.2012 |
| Date Posted: |
03.23.2012 01:56 |
| Story ID: |
85664 |
| Location: |
URUZGAN PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: |
80 |
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