URUZGAN, Afghanistan – Coalition officials in Uruzgan province said a group of local men visited a forward operating base July 21 to discuss the need for better security in area villages.
After observing the establishment of village stability operations in Gizab, Coalition officials said two men from the villages of Shorak and Kakrak came to the base asking for assistance in ridding their areas of Taliban and insurgent presence.
“They sounded ready to stand up for their villages,” said a U.S. Special Forces officer from the base. “These men heard about what happened in Gizab and wanted the same success in their villages.”
Recent stability operations in the village of Gizab, in Tamazan, Day Kundi province, led to the detention of a Taliban leader and several of his subordinates, according to local officials. The villagers said they set up road blocks in the city to prevent insurgent reinforcements from entering their village, and have partnered with Coalition forces to maintain security in their area.
According to the two men, their villages have been subject to abuse by insurgents, causing local citizens to request assistance from the Afghan government and Coalition forces.
“The success with village stability in Gizab is a great example for the surrounding villages,” said a Coalition spokesman. “That message is spreading to other villages who want to protect themselves from the violence caused by insurgents.”