Leaflet airdrop mission delivers clear message to Taliban

03.07.2007

Courtesy Story

United States Air Forces Central           

By Staff Sgt. Carlos Diaz
U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

Southwest Asia - A U.S. Air Force C-130 dropped 30,000 warning leaflets over the mountains of southeastern Afghanistan, March 7, to deter Taliban activity.

The warning leaflet, airdrop mission was in direct support of Operation Achilles, an operation launched by the International Security Assistance Force to create a secure environment that will enable the government of Afghanistan to help its people.

The leaflets were used to communicate with Taliban extremists, warning them not to interfere with coalition activities.

"We're trying to gain the edge over the enemy," said Maj. Michael Lucas, chief of the Air Mobility Division's tactics section at the Combined Air Operations Center.

Lucas explained that airdropping leaflets "helps the cause without using firepower and can aid our coalition partners in capturing enemy forces."

Delivering the leaflet's message to the enemy, was a well-manned aircrew from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in the Persian Gulf region.

According to ISAF, air and ground operations like the leaflet drop, will focus on improving security in areas where Taliban extremists, narco-traffickers and other elements are trying to de-stabilize the government of Afghanistan.

These operations are intended to empower village elders to take charge of their communities without the influence of Taliban extremists.

• Date Taken: 03.07.2007
• Date Posted: 03.07.2007 10:05
• Story ID: 9344