HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan Commandos treated a 4-year-old boy shot by Taliban insurgents Sept. 7 during ongoing combat operations in Helmand.
Glu Jan rushed his son Sharifullah through sporadic gun fire in the Musa Qaleh district before reaching safety with the 7th Special Operations Kandak Commandos. The father explained the Taliban opened fire on his family with no regard for their well-being. The young boy received a gunshot wound to his inner left leg, according to reports from the Commandos.
Commandos immediately treated the child’s wound to help control the bleeding, and then arranged for transportation so the father could take the child to a nearby hospital.
Afghan Commandos’ ability to care for the wounded boy amid clearing operations demonstrates their professionalism and selfless service.
“Commandos provided stability and immediate medical care to the people,” explained Omar Zawak, the provincial spokesman. The operation is part of Provincial Governor Naeem Baluch’s ongoing security initiative in the northern districts.
The governor expressed extreme pride for the Commandos’ actions during a phone call with coalition forces in the district, saying this is the type of dedication he’s come to expect from Afghan security forces.
Several Afghan-led operations remain ongoing in separate districts throughout Helmand to disrupt insurgent safe havens, the governor said.
District and provincial leaders want the people to stand together against the Taliban and support the Afghan government, Zawak added.