KABUL, Afghanistan - Hoping to gauge the effectiveness of efforts to secure the border while discerning the needs of local villagers, a senior Afghanistan border patrol leader inspected the 5th Kandak Headquarters in Southern Afghanistan April 15. Col. Ghuzai Sharif, commander of the 3rd Zone ABP, inspected the complex in the Shurabak District of Kandahar province, located along the rugged Afghanistan/Pakistan border.
The visit provided Sharif, and his International Security Assistance Force advisors, an opportunity to deliver supplies and equipment to his troops and meet with the elders of the local village.
The official party arrived by helicopter to the remote and mountainous station where there are nearby caves frequently occupied by the Taliban. Troops were waiting to offload bags of flour, building supplies, new ATVs and other military supplies. While the helicopters were being unloaded, Sharif formally greeted the rest of the station's troops who were assembled outside the main building. Afterwards, the troops quickly mounted their new ISAF-provided patrol vehicles.
"This station is the most important in the Kandahar district," said Sharif. "It is closest to the border crossing with Pakistan. There's lots of enemy movement in the area and we are the fence providing security for our country."
After a brief visit with the district leader, the local police chief, and Col. Abdul Razaiq, the 3rd Zone executive officer, Sharif and his advisors rode to the local village where they met with Razai Khan and other village elders. During their meeting, the villagers provided specific requests for the ABP and their NATO partners.
While speaking with the village elders, U.S. Army Lt. Col. William Clark, 8-1 Cavalry commander at Spin Buldak, also on the Pakistan border, asked them about the construction of a water system and made note to get them more help in completing the project. During this conversation the elders brought up their newest concern - improvised explosive devices.
According to villagers, insurgents are planting IEDs along the roads, aimed at stopping the border patrol from carrying out their duties. The villagers specifically requested help from ISAF forces to remove the IEDs from local roads.
The meeting allowed Sharif an opportunity to strengthen ties with his fellow Afghans by discerning what steps his forces could take to assist them. As the number of available troops increase, Sharif is looking to expand his unit's services to the locals.
"This was a good chance for us to resupply our troops and assess their needs ... and hear their concerns," said Razai. The ABP's relationship with the village is really good. We are bringing security to the village, which is really important to them."
Sharif spoke highly of his troops and praised the training they received from the Border Management Task Force, and specifically of the work done by the Security Forces Advisory Team manned by members of the 4th Battalion Combat Team and civilian instructors.
"We're here to help them train their troops and secure their own borders," said U.S. Army Capt. Greg Spears. "They are hard workers. We have given them the training they need, and the right equipment to do their jobs."
During the tour, ISAF troops who accompanied the official party were able to meet with their Afghan counterparts and see first-hand the outposts the ABP mans and how they work and live.
"The troops have had good training and it's a pleasure to see my advisors who came here with me," said Sharif of the advisory team. "I appreciate the help and advice from our partners. This was a good use of time to have these meeting and we ended up with good results."