NATO On Taliban Offensive - “greatly exaggerated”
Joint Combined Operation patrols western side of Arghandab River - NATO
KABUL, Afghanistan – As of 6:00 this morning [June 18 2008], a joint combined force from the Afghan National Army and ISAF started patrolling the western side of the Arghandab River searching for small groups of insurgents.
This clearing operation is a response to a direct Taliban threat to the people of Arghandab district, where insurgents have forced hundreds of innocent Afghans to flee their homes. The joint combined forces been going on without major incidents so far. The operation is expected to be completed within the next three days.Extreme care has been taken to avoid civilian casualties in this densely populated area, because the insurgents have a history of misusing innocent civilians for their own protection. ISAF values the life of every single person. The Coalition’s approach to operations reflects this fundamental difference with the Taleban extremists.
Last night in Kandahar City, Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF commanders reported that life was quiet and business was continuing as usual. It is clear that the city remains firmly under the control of the Afghan government despite rumours that the Taliban might attack.
The number of insurgents reported in Arghandab District in recent days has proven to be greatly exaggerated. ISAF would like to thank the local population for their cooperation in providing information about insurgent activity in the city and encourages them to continue to work with us.
All ANSF and ISAF operations in southern Afghanistan continue and this new operation is progressing as planned for the overall wellbeing of the Afghan population.
ISAF bolster ANSF in Kandahar City - NATO
KABUL, Afghanistan – To further support the resident Afghan National Security Forces in Kandahar City – consisting of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and Afghan National Border Police, ISAF forces in the area redeployed yesterday [June 17 2008] to bolster the already present security stance.
“Together, ANSF combined with ISAF continue to increase security in and around Kandahar City. Together we continue to track down escaped prisoners from Sarpoza prison and are capable of dealing with threats posed by these escapees and insurgents”, says Major General Marc Lessard, Regional Command South Commander. “ISAF is committed to assisting ANSF in maintaining a safe and secure environment and will take the necessary actions to achieve our mandate for the overall wellbeing of Afghan population,” furthered Major General Lessard.
ISAF support to ANSF in and around Kandahar City since the Sarpoza prison break will continue with joint patrols, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets and checkpoints.
“Today ISAF soldiers along with the ANSF conducted a show of force in Kandahar City and Arghandab District,” said Colonel Jamie Cade, Deputy Commander of Task Force Kandahar. “There were no obvious signs of insurgent activity and it is clear that Kandahar City remains firmly under the control of the Afghan government and its people.”
Previous increases of insurgent activity have failed to dislodge ANSF and ISAF forces from Southern Afghanistan. Insurgents disregard human lives by terrorising innocent people through public acts of violence.
The ISAF deployment is in response to the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan request to support resident ANSF within Kandahar City.
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