GHAZNI, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army personnel, advised and assisted by coalition special operations forces, conducted a clearing operation to disrupt insurgent activity and engage local villagers in the Nawa district Sept. 6 through Sept. 7.
According to ANA officials, the partnered force received sporadic fire from enemy fighters during the first day, while clearing near the village of Sur Kalay. On the second day of operations, ground forces were again engaged by insurgents. The ANA returned fire resulting in one unconfirmed enemy fighter killed in action.
"We had to react quickly and effectively when insurgents were engaging us," said an ANA team leader. The combined team recovered two Enfield rifles, one AK-47, one load bearing vest and there was one unconfirmed enemy killed in action during the clearing, according to official ANA reports.
After completing the operation, the Nawbahar district chief of police and district governor, along with members of the ANA conducted an engagement with key village leaders.
"We want local villagers to know that the government of Afghanistan is dedicated to security, and will provide ways to keep insurgency out of their villages," said the district governor. The district chief of police outlined the Afghan Local Police program as a way of uniting Afghanistan and overcoming oppression from insurgents.
"I want what is best for the people living in these villages. The ALP represents a police force dedicated to protecting their own villages."
During the shura, many villagers said that they support Afghan National Security Forces, and enjoy a relatively peaceful life.
"The people in these villages are connecting with the Government of Afghanistan through dialogue and relationship building," said the district governor. "We just want to ensure that insurgents do not disrupt their way of life and peace is maintained throughout their villages."