KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces found and destroyed 14 roadside bombs during a two-day clearing operation that concluded, Nov. 11 in Kandahar province’s Shah Wali Kot district.
Afghan National Army Special Forces, Commandos of the 3rd Special Operations Kandak, and local police targeted Taliban strongholds and cache sites along the Arghandab River Valley in an area known locally as “The Jungle.”
Insurgents use the area to conduct attacks against security forces throughout northern Kandahar, said Maj. Abdul Manan, 3rd SOK commander. Afghan Commandos train hard to eliminate the insurgent threat throughout the district, he added.
The operation began early Nov. 10 in the district’s Toombay and Khawajazai villages. Due to their proximity to The Jungle, residents there often receive the worst of Taliban harassment.
During the operation, Afghan Special Forces and Commandos maneuvered their vehicles to shield civilians working in a nearby pomegranate field from insurgent attacks.
“The Taliban will not hesitate to kill some man, woman or child,” explained an ANASF team leader. “And extra care has to be taken to protect innocent lives.”
That is why ANSF work with local leaders to conduct these and similar operations to drive the Taliban out of the villages, said Manan.
“My wish is to bring peace and security to Shah Wali Kot and make it a better place for its citizens,” said district police Chief Bacha Khan, who is always eager to support operations in the district.
“I would like to see a representative from every tribe and every family take an active part,” he said, explaining the importance of forces like the Commandos and Afghan Local Police.