BALKH PROVINCE, Afghanistan – On a dusty day in northern Afghanistan, the commander of the 5th Special Operations Kandak commandos sat in his office in Camp Shaheen, Deh Dadi district, Balkh province, May 18.
The commander reflected on his elite unit’s operations in Faryab and Badakhshan provinces earlier this month. He and his spokesman, Capt. Jawed, shared their observations on the Commandos’ actions during the operations.
“Our latest operation was in Faryab and we planned this operation independently.” said Basir. “The coalition only provided air support.”
The 5th SOK cleared the villages in two days and killed 13 insurgents during the operation. “No civilians were hurt because our men fought bravely and professionally,” said Basir.
“Some were expecting the operation to take over two weeks because there were many bombs in the area, but we were able to get there and drive out the insurgents much sooner,” said Capt. Jawed.
The captain expressed the strong sense of national pride the Commandos displayed while clearing the villages of insurgents. “Many men said that even if they would have died, they would have done so honorably serving our country,” he said.
In late March, the Commandos participated in another clearing operation in Warduj district, Badakhshan province with the 209th ANA Corps and other Afghan Forces.
“We played an important role in that operation as well,” said Basir. “The enemy put up a strong fight, but we worked together with the ANA and Afghan Local Police. We were able to secure the area,” he added.
Basir offered reassurance to the people in the cleared villages.
“I assure you that the enemy will not return again. If they try, we are strong and united to fight them until the end,” he said confidently.
Commandos are an elite group that conducts high-risk operations in remote areas known to be enemy strongholds. These counterinsurgency missions assist national and local police in their efforts to increases in security, governance, and development.
“I see a bright future for Afghanistan, and a prosperous future is achievable if we maintain a strong army that is independent, well-trained, and well-equipped. I do not see any problems in the foreseeable future,” said Basir.