Mushtarak sees village-wide progress with new ALP checkpoints

URUZGAN, AFGHANISTAN

04.23.2012

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class James Ginther 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

URUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan local police and coalition special operations forces worked together to establish three checkpoints in Mushtarak village, Kajran district, Day Kundi province, during the month of April.

The checkpoints expand the district’s secure area and open the flow of traffic through the Mushtarak Bazaar. The bazaar serves as a critical juncture where routes converge, linking several major population centers.

“These routes were previously controlled by Taliban who subjected locals to taxation, theft, intimidation and sometimes imprisonment and physical abuse,” said a coalition SOF member.

The added security also allows coalition SOF medical personnel to provide much needed medical treatment to local villagers while simultaneously working alongside the area’s medical providers to increase their capabilities. Over a 15-day period, 54 villagers received consultations and treatment for various ailments to include asthma, infections, malnutrition, abrasions, cataracts and skeletal injuries.

“Medical services have historically been unavailable to the people of Mushtarak, but with Afghan security forces now in the area, villagers have new opportunities,” said a coalition SOF member.

Locals have welcomed the security forces and are actively taking part in shaping the future of their village, added the coalition SOF member.

“The initiative the district’s security forces show has been highly effective in stopping the insurgents’ ability to perform any kind of future operations in the area,” said a coalition SOF member. “A foundation of trust with the villagers has been established that will allow the village to build its own ALP force and be a part of Afghanistan’s bright future.”

• Date Taken: 04.23.2012
• Date Posted: 04.25.2012 14:13
• Story ID: 87326
• Location: URUZGAN, AF