By Sgt. 1st Class John Queen
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan – Members of the Afghan National Security Forces have been playing a key role in securing key areas in the Gor Tepa region of Kunduz Province in northern Afghanistan recently during a major security operation.
At the center of this operation is a 12 kilometer stretch of road that serves as a main artery into the north and northwestern regions of the province.
Until recently, insurgents have maintained a firm grip on the area by littering the road with improvised explosive devices and rendering it virtually impassable.
The IEDs not only pose a threat to ANSF and members of the International Security Assistance Force, but also the residents of the community are at risk.
To help alleviate these menacing hazards, soldiers of the 2nd Engineer Battalion’s, 40th Engineer Company, have been hard at work clearing the road by aggressively seeking out and destroying any explosive devices found.
To do their job effectively, however, the Army Combat Engineers need a reliable security force protecting them from any ground attack. Filling this essential role has been one of the primary missions for members of the Afghan National Police since the mission began Dec. 28.
Within the last nine days, the combined force has safely cleared roughly 9,000 meters of road and has successfully located and removed or destroyed 10 IED’s.
The combined effort between ANSF and ISAF has brought about a greater sense of security in the region and has given the people a greater opportunity to travel safely throughout the area. In addition it has expanded the reach of the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to areas previously held by insurgents.