Afghan-international forces seized enemy weapons caches, captured or killed numerous insurgents, and reopened a long-closed school during recent operations conducted across Afghanistan, military officials reported.

In the July 22 Afghanistan news:

– An Afghan National Directorate of Security force discovered a large quantity of improvised explosive device-making material in a rock quarry in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province last night. The cache contained about 1,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, more than 5,400 electronic fuses, about 3,200 meters of detonation cord and 275 kilograms of black powder. The ammonium nitrate and black powder alone could be used to make more than 100 IEDs. The Afghan force asked for International Security Assistance Force help in destroying the cache.

“This find demonstrates the ever-increasing capability of the Afghan National Security Forces to operate independently,” Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director, said. “It also takes a large number of potential IEDs out of the hands of the insurgents whose indiscriminate use of IEDs endangers innocent Afghan civilians as well as Afghan and coalition forces.”

– Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province last night. The security force targeted a compound outside Jalalabad in pursuit of the facilitator and Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings. After the occupants were interviewed, one of them led the security force to a different compound where he thought the targeted individual was residing. Once the second compound was secure, the combined security force detained the facilitator who peacefully surrendered and identified himself to the security force. No shots were fired and the women and children present were protected by the security force.

– An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Ghazni province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban subcommander who facilitates weapons and provides operations support for the Taliban in the area. The security force went to a remote compound in Gelan district to search the area. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for the occupants to exit the buildings and then cleared the compound. After the compound was secure, the security force detained two suspected insurgents for further questioning. No shots were fired and the women and children present were protected throughout the search.

– Afghan and coalition security forces last night struck at the Taliban leadership in Kandahar, capturing a senior Taliban commander and a member of the district military commission in Nad ‘Ali, Helmand province, who commands the movement of insurgent fighters and equipment through the Nad ‘Ali district. The joint security force also detained another suspected insurgent in the same operation. The joint security force targeted a compound in Daman district on the outskirts of Kandahar City. All of the residents complied with the instructions of the joint security force and peacefully exited the compound. After interviewing the residents, two suspected insurgents were detained for further questioning including a senior Taliban leader and one additional suspected insurgent.

In July 21 Afghanistan news:

– Afghan National Security Forces with International Security Assistance Force partners officially reopened a school that had been closed for 12 months due to facilities falling into disrepair. Over the last two months, the combined force engaged local tradesmen to build a new wall and metal gates, a school yard, plant trees and bushes, repair the existing water pump, install new windows and build new chairs and benches for the students. The reconstruction work now allows students to attend classes four days a week. Prior to the official opening, Afghan officials and local elders distributed school supplies to the approximately 200 students who attend the school each day. Extra school supplies have been given to the school for the expected 500 students who will attend the school in the future.

A local Afghan leader said, “It is magnificent that we are here today at the reopened school. Much has improved with the security situation to allow the school to reopen, and we are thankful of the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team and Lithuanians for rebuilding the school.” Combined forces are committed to assisting the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in rebuilding and repairing education infrastructure to educate Afghanistan’s children.

In July 20 Afghanistan news:

– An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and captured an improvised explosive device maker along with additional suspected insurgents in Kunduz province. The security force went to the first of a series of targeted compounds in the village of Qareh Khani in the Chahar Darah district in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander who facilitates weapons and orders IED and rocket attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the targeted compounds.

One heavily armed individual ran outside the compound and engaged the security force. The combined force returned fire, killing the insurgent. The combined force then moved to clear and secure the building. While clearing the area, the security force was engaged by an insurgent barricaded within one of the buildings and another insurgent in the courtyard. Returning fire, the assault force killed the insurgents. After the compound was cleared and secured, the assault force detained the IED maker and an additional suspected insurgent for further questioning.

Evidence collected at the scene directly linked the IED maker to a pressure plate IED attack that occurred less than three kilometers from the targeted compound on April 14. Additionally, several other IED related incidents have occurred in the immediate area over the last two years. IED materials including blasting caps and wire were found at the compound.

“This is another key capture toward ensuring the safety of the innocent Afghan civilians residing in Chahar Darah district,” said Col. James Dawkins, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “The Taliban’s indiscriminate use of such tactics has killed hundreds of innocent civilians just this year.”

At the second compound, two armed males ran from the buildings into some thick vegetation. Afghan forces called for the individuals to peacefully surrender however, they engaged the combined force and were subsequently killed. After the compound was cleared and secured, the security force questioned the remaining residents. One suspected insurgent was detained by the security force for further questioning. The women and children present were protected throughout the searches.

DVIDS

A combined force of more than 600 Afghan and International Security Assistance Forces are conducting operations against al-Qaida and Taliban insurgents in Kunar province June 27.

At present, a number of insurgents have been killed in the attack against al-Qaida and Taliban leadership in the area.

ISAF and Afghan authorities confirm three of their forces have died in the battle, including two U.S. service members.

“We will continue to take the fight to the enemy alongside our Afghan partners,” said Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, commanding general of Regional Command-East. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families who lost loved ones in the fight against our common enemies, the Taliban and al-Qaida”.

The combined force has taken precautions to prevent collateral damage, and ISAF has no reports of injuries to civilians.

The fighting is ongoing.

DVIDS

Left to right, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Brown, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Travis Brown and U.S. Army Sgt. William Ebel, 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, Katterbach, Germany, salute during the national anthem on May 2 after receiving the German Gold Cross Medal, which has never been awarded to foreign troops before, for their bravery evacuating wounded German Soldiers while under fire near Kunduz, April 2. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta. Click on this photo for more pics of the ceremony.

ISAF

Fourteen Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Europe’s 12th Combat Aviation Brigade received the German Bundeswehr’s highest award for a single act of valor, for their support of Bundeswehr units during a battle in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan, April 2.

During an April 21 visit in Berlin with Dr. Karl-Theodor Freiherr zu Guttenberg, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, was given the Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Gold medals to take back to Afghanistan for presentation to the 14 aviators.

The Soldiers are assigned to Companies A and C, 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation, based in Katterbach, Germany. They are:

Capt. Robert McDonough
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Steven Husted
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jason LaCrosse
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nelson Visaya
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Brown
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sean Johnson
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Eric Wells
Staff Sgt. Travis Brown
Sgt. William Ebel
Sgt. Antonio Gattis
Sgt. Steven Schumaker
Spc. Matthew Baker
Spc. Todd Marchese
Spc. Gregory Martinez

ISAF

Under an overcast sky, on the same airfield where they carried wounded German Soldiers to safety only 5 weeks before, 14 U.S. Soldiers were awarded the highest German medal for bravery, May 12.

International Security Assistance Force Chief of Staff German Army Lt. Gen. Bruno Kasdorf, presented the German Gold Cross of Honor medals to the medical evacuation helicopter pilots and crew from the 5th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, Katterbach, Germany.

The German Gold Cross is equivalent to the U.S. Medal of honor, only four other German Soldiers have ever been awarded it. The medal is for outstanding deeds at the risk of one’s life.

The aircrew rescued eleven German Soldiers who had come under attack by insurgents during a dismounted patrol outside the Chahar Dara district, southwest of Kunduz, on Apr. 2.

“It is an honor for me to day to hand over these badges to the U.S. servicemembers, who risked their lives to bring their German wounded comrades to safety,” Kasdorf said.

On that day, the German Soldiers had been on a foot patrol searching for IEDs when insurgents attacked them with small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades.

The volume of fire was so intense that the American MedEvac helicopters couldn’t land on their first attempt.

“I was the responsible person on the ground for getting the helicopters to the landing zone,” German Paratrooper Master Sgt. Patrick Bonneik, joint terminal attack controller, said. “My biggest concern was that they would leave us. You could see the sparks coming off the helo [from small arms fire].”

The helicopters made a successful second attempt to land. They continued their rescue mission under fire as they evacuated the dying and wounded German troops back to the PRT Kunuz base.

Rocket propelled grenades passed under one of the helicopters by 10 yards, added the bearded Bonneik.

“Our doctors said, if the helicopters wouldn’t have landed three more would be dead,” Bonneik said. “They’re amazing Soldiers. On that day, those guys showed – [guts]. They just did what they would’ve done for an American unit. It was extremely brave.”

“My thought was just for the wounded Soldiers,” after the ceremony a tearful U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Shumaker, crew chief, 5th Bn., 158th Av. Regmt., said. “My own safety wasn’t a concern. Our goal was to get those guys out or die trying.”

Three of the Germans rescued later died from their wounds. The other eight survived.

After the ceremony concluded the German Soldiers and Americans lined up and faced each other like at the end of a tightly contested sports match.

They shook hands with each other and then each and everyone gave the other a hug, a deep heartfelt embrace. One could sense that these Soldiers had shared a life changing moment in time.

“We didn’t know each other before,” Bonneik said, “but now we’re like brothers.”

Afghan National Army soldiers board their C-17 cargo plane for their flight to Turkey at the International Security Assistance Force airport in Kabul. These soldiers are flying to Turkey for training in leadership and the military skills required to operate as a special operations unit. The transportation and training is part of joint cooperative training and funding agreement with Turkey and Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan. US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Quillen

Afghan National Army troops boarded a C-17 cargo plane at the International Security Assistance Force airport for a flight to Turkey to take part in the first of a series of extensive training opportunities in securing the development and defense of Afghanistan.

The 119 ANA troops are the first group to take part in military training for several weeks of specialized operations. It will be conducted primarily by Turkish forces with assistance from American forces and includes courses in leadership along with the skills necessary to perform in the capacity of a special operations force unit.

“I already have 30 years of experience, but when the army told me about this training and that I would participate, I was excited,” said Col. Abdullah Nuri, the senior ranking officer of the 119 troops. “This is a strong opportunity to develop my skills, as an officer and as a soldier, and come back to Afghanistan to teach what I have learned to others.”

Once their training is complete, the Afghan soldiers will be split up and sent to all regions of Afghanistan to develop and conduct their own courses with their fellow soldiers.

The Afghan soldiers were selected for a variety of reasons including experience, demonstrated leadership and competent military skills, academic performance and a strong desire to perform at their best.

“This is the first time that we have worked with such a diverse force,” Nuri said. “So many nations have come to Afghanistan to help us and teach us. We need to take advantage, and use the skills they teach us to make ourselves strong, so we can be a true partner on the world stage.”

Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan funded the transportation with training provided by Turkey. The training will be ongoing with a new group of soldiers being flown to Turkey each month.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Quillen
NTM-A

Afghan and international forces seized enemy weapons and killed insurgent attackers in operations in Afghanistan in recent days, military officials reported.

The Afghan National Army, supported by an international security patrol, destroyed 16 rockets and a mortar round in Kandahar province, Feb. 7-8.

The Afghan soldiers were patrolling near Darivshan village when they received a tip about a weapons cache from an Afghan civilian. The soldiers went to the site and recovered 16 107 mm rockets. The following day, the same patrol element found an 82 mm mortar round in a garden near Shotor Gardon village.

An Afghan-led patrol in Paktika province, Feb. 8, found a large weapons cache after receiving a tip from a local resident in the Wazah Khwah district. The cache contained 54 artillery rounds, four mortar rounds and 18 fuses.

Also yesterday, a combined Afghan-international patrol discovered more than 20 mortar rounds in the Garm Ser district of Helmand province. Another combined patrol found 11 hand grenades and a rocket-propelled grenade round in the province’s Kajaki district.

In a Feb. 6 operation in Helmand’s Garm Ser district, an International Security Assistance Force patrol found 83 artillery rounds in a field.

On Feb. 5, an Afghan-international security force in the Musa Qaleh district of Helmand province killed two insurgents who attacked them with small-arms fire. Later, the force was engaged by more small-arms fire from different locations. A sniper supporting the patrol returned fire, killing another insurgent.

In another operation, Feb. 5, a combined force found about 1,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, a belt of shotgun rounds, assault-rifle magazines and binoculars in the Garm Ser district of Helmand province.

DVIDS

Afghan and NATO forces have removed dozens of insurgents from fighting in Afghanistan in recent days, including a long-sought-after Taliban commander, military officials reported.

Combined Afghan and International Security Assistance Force units killed at least two dozen insurgents during fighting in southern and eastern Afghanistan and detained numerous others. In operations yesterday (October 25 2009):

– A combined force killed a dozen enemy militants in Kandahar province in an operation to interdict a Taliban commander and his unit believed to be responsible for attacks in the Arghandab district west of Kandahar City. The force coordinated an air strike on the enemy position. During the search, several of the dead were discovered armed with assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition belts and communications gear. All items were destroyed in place.

– A combined force killed several militants and detained several suspects in Khowst province after searching compounds in pursuit of a Haqqani terrorist organization leader linked to a bomb-making and foreign-fighter facilitation network in the area. The force searched two compounds north of Khowst City. Militants outside of one of the compounds posed a hostile threat to the combined force and were killed. During the search, the joint security force discovered multiple hand grenades and assault rifles.

- Combined forces killed several militants in Ghazni province after searching an enemy position in pursuit of a district Taliban commander linked to several other militant commanders and foreign fighters in the area. The force received hostile fire during the operation from an enemy position. Returning fire, they killed several militants. The force then searched the enemy location and found multiple rocket-propelled grenades, assault rifles and ammunition belts. All items were destroyed in place.

- In Wardak province, a combined force detained two suspects after searching a compound known to be used by a Taliban commander. The joint force searched compounds southwest of Kabul without incident and without firing shots.

- A combined force detained suspected militants after searching compounds in Khowst province known to be used by a Haqqani bomb technician linked to several militant commanders in the area. The force searched the compounds without incident.

In an Oct. 24 operation, a combined force searched a compound and detained several suspected militants believed to be members of a bombing network in Farah province. The suspects surrendered peacefully during the search and no shots were fired.

In operations Oct. 22:

- A combined force killed a dozen militants and detained several suspects in Kandahar province after stopping a number of vehicles in pursuit of a Taliban commander of the province’s Maywand district. The force initially targeted a number of vehicles in transit across southern Maywand after intelligence indicated militant activity. Several militants were killed after they failed to respond to warnings, and others were detained. Subsequently, the combined force received hostile fire from militants in multiple vehicles maneuvering in their direction. The force returned fire, killing another group of militants. The force searched each of the vehicles and recovered a number of small-arms weapons, documents and 2,600 pounds of black-tar heroin. The force identified one of the dead as the sought-after Taliban commander of Maywand.

– A combined force detained several suspected militants after searching compounds in Wardak province known to be used by a Taliban commander and his unit responsible for several rocket and bombing attacks in the region. The force targeted the compounds near the village of Patankhel in the Sayed Abad district after intelligence indicated militant activity there. The force searched the compound without incident and detained several suspects. No shots were fired, and no one was injured in the search.

In other news from Afghanistan, international forces have responded to accusations that a U.S. servicemember burned the Quran last week in Wardak province’s Maydan Shar district.

In response to the accusations, ISAF troops conducted an investigation in conjunction with local Afghan army commanders and found the claim groundless.

A spokesman for Wardak Gov. Mohammad Alim Fadayee, and Mullah Qari of the Afghan army in Wardak, publicly stated that ISAF troops were not responsible for the desecration and found no wrongdoing by international forces.

In his public address, Mullah Qari provided the results of the investigation into the incident and offered an explanation.

“Dear brothers, recently, the incident of burning of the Quran that happened in Kowte Ashrow, it was the actions of the enemies of Afghanistan and Islam for their private purposes,” Qari said. “The enemies of Afghanistan are trying to make people go against the government in order to start riots.”

DVIDS

Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) conducted successful operations in Farah and Kandahar provinces against Improvised Explosive Device (IED) facilitators on June 22-24.

In the first operation, Afghan National Police (ANP) and ISAF troops in Farah City, Farah province killed a major IED facilitator and captured three other insurgents. This operation was a part of a targeted campaign against IED facilitator networks in Farah province.

The senior IED facilitator was Ramatullah, known to the ANP for his involvement in IED operations and attacks on Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) forces.

On June 23-24, ANSF and ISAF forces conducted a raid on a series of compounds and storage facilities 2km west of Belanday, Kandahar province. The location was the base for the activities leading IED manufacturer, and a known threat to nearby ANSF and ISAF troops.

When ISAF troops reached Belanday a number of insurgents, including two wearing suicide vests, tried to escape. Approximately 25 insurgents were killed in the engagement with one being captured and currently being detained for questioning.

An amount of material and chemicals used in the manufacture of IEDs were found on site including detonator cords and home-made explosives. A number of weapons were also found including Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and AK variant automatic rifles.

No women or children were found on site and no Afghan civilians were harmed during either operation.

Whilst IEDs target security forces throughout Afghanistan it is Afghan civilians who are most often affected, with IEDs indiscriminately killing and wounding innocent Afghans.

ISAF warns all Afghans not to approach IEDs, and to inform security forces of IED locations. ISAF also encourages Afghans to contact the government authorities with any information regarding insurgents who place IEDs.

ISAF

Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers, elements of the Afghan National Police and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) service members repelled a complex attack by insurgents in Paktia province, Afghanistan, 27 May.

At approximately 12:50 a.m., an unknown number of militant forces began to attack a small patrol base with indirect fire, rocket propelled grenades and smalls arms fire. Attack helicopters were called in to engage the insurgents and protect the ground forces. ISAF ground troops engaged the militants and, as the fire fight ensued, close air support dropped munitions on the insurgents.

After a five-hour fire fight, ANA and ISAF service members conducted an assessment of the area, finding 15 dead insurgents, numerous small arms and a mortar system.

No ANA or ISAF troops were injured during the attack.

ISAF

Afghan national security forces and International Security Assistance Forces have reported intense fighting in the Marjah area of Helmand province; over the last few days.

Marjah is known to be an insurgent stronghold, and recent events suggest there is an ongoing and concerted effort to build up the number of militants in the region. These militants include foreign fighters particularly from Balochistan, Pakistan. It is expected that this build up will result in a rise in violence.

Violence in this region is often associated with the illegal narcotics industry.

Across Afghanistan the narcotics industry has a negative influence on all aspects of society and hinders ISAF’s work in providing a secure environment for all Afghans.

This is particularly true in the Marjah area where there is a clear link between the narcotics trade, corruption and the financing of the insurgency. Funds gathered from the narcotics trade pay for the weapons, explosives and suicide bombers that insurgents use to kill innocent civilians, ANSF, ISAF and coalition forces.

Recent ISAF operations against the insurgents in the Marjah area have been successful, which may have provoked this increase in militant activity. Afghan security forces, supported by ISAF, have recently seized a significant quantity of narcotics in the Marjah region. Importantly, the influx of foreign insurgents and the end of the poppy harvest always contributes to an annual increase in the number of incidents in this region.

ANSF and ISAF troops operate throughout the year and are fully prepared for any rise in seasonal violence, especially given the increase in US forces moving into the area. In order to prevent civilian casualties, it is vital that innocent civilians separate themselves from the militant population. In doing so they will not be mistaken for insurgents or caught up amongst insurgents whose cowardly tactics see them hiding in the civilian population, thereby causing the loss of innocent lives.

DVIDS

Eighteen insurgents were killed during a pre-emptive defensive strike by International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Konar province on the evening of April 10.

ISAF service members were on patrol throughout the day along a known insurgent infiltration route in the Pech District. The force then established a patrol base and deployed out an observation team.

Approximately 26 insurgents with weapons and lights walked within six feet of the observers, giving the patrol positive identification of the group.

As the group of insurgents moved toward the patrol, the observers radioed back to the patrol base. The patrol leader then repositioned his personnel to engage the militants.

After the initial fire fight, close-air support and attack helicopters were called to support the ground forces.

Following the engagement, the platoon collected enemy supplies including 10 AK-47s, Rocket-propelled grenade launchers with ammunition, five radios and two hand grenades.

The incident resulted in no civilian or ISAF casualties.

ISAF

Afghan national army 207th Corps soldiers distribute blankets, clothing, food and winter survival supplies to Safidbarah villagers, Feb. 19. The mission was a combined effort by ANA 207th Corps of Camp Zafar and International Security Assistance Force Spanish Operational Mentor Liaison Team of Regional Command-West.

Members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) 207th Corps of Camp Zafar, assisted by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Spanish Operational Mentor Liaison Team (OMLT) of Regional Command-West, delivered food and supplies to the village of Safidbarah in western Afghanistan, 19 February.

The combined team arrived at the village and was greeted by more than 30 families from the area. The ANA delivered more than 500 sets of winter clothes and distributed cooking oil, rice, beans, sugar, and blankets to needy families to help sustain them as the winter months come to an end.

“The ANA is formed from the different Afghan tribes,” stated Major Norul-Haq, the Garrison Director of Education, in a speech made during the distribution. “Day and night we are trying to bring peace, security and stability to the region and to the innocent people of Afghanistan. The Afghan National Army will fight until the last drop of their blood to protect the autonomy and national honour of this country.”

After Norul-Haq’s speech, an elder from the village thanked the 207th Corps for their efforts toward improving the security situation in the region. He also expressed his appreciation for the goods and supplies that were given to the poorer families of Safidbarah village.

The mission came just at the right time for the villagers. The end of winter tends to be a difficult time as stores of supplies gathered over the spring and summer have already been consumed. The donation made by the ANA and ISAF will help fill the gap until crop yields in the area are harvested in the spring. During the delivery, the villagers promised to assist and support the ANA and Afghan National Police and other governmental forces in the region.

“The 207th Corps of Camp Zafar is not only here for security in the region, we also assist the Afghan people in each and every aspect of their lives,” stated Sergeant Fathe Noori, public affairs officer for the corps. “We take honour in assisting them with their needs.”

ISAF

I’m posting this primarily because os the name of the Danish unit involved. How very cool is the unit name the “Jutland Dragoons”?

Security has been improved north of Laskar Gah. The Afghan National Army (ANA) supported by International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces established a vital police checkpoint during Operation Attal.

From January 10-19, elements of the ANA’s 1st and 3rd Brigades of 205th Hero Corps, commanded by General Mohaiyodin Ghori, struck against the Taliban stronghold of Spin Masjid, defeating insurgents, seizing weapons and equipment, discovering scores of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and there by improving security in the area.

Their aim was to build a security checkpoint at a canal crossing point and construct a new Patrol Base, allowing the Afghan National Police (ANP) to better control the movement of people through the area.

January 11, a company of Afghan Warriors (the Afghan term used to describe their riflemen), advanced towards a crucial road junction, supported by Danish infantry, mortars and Leopard 2 tanks from The Jutland Dragoons, British counter-IED specialists from 59th Commando Royal Engineers and the British Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLT). The engineers discovered seven IEDs that day, and an additional five were discovered in the area by the end of the operation.

“It is great to work together with the British OMLT and we developed a good friendship. Our goals are the same: clear the area from the Taliban and give the local Afghans a chance to return to their homes so they can return to a normal and peaceful living,” said 1st Lt. Sharif Idin, Platoon commander, 1st Coy 205th ANA Battalion.

On January 19, the operation was successfully completed. The discovery of nearly 30 IEDs served to protect both security forces and civilians from danger and the ANA had demonstrated their growing capability and capacity to plan and carry out large-scale operations, extending security and gaining important consent for the legitimate forces of the Afghan government.

“This operation has been hugely significant in the development of the ANA’s 3-205 Brigade. It has been the first time that they have commanded a multinational Brigade-level operation of this complexity; with their British Mentors from 1st Rifles they have brought in Canadian, and Danish ground forces, and a whole array of multinational aircraft and artillery,” said Major Ben Tomkins, 1st Rifles, Chief of Staff OMLT and British Ground Commander.

ISAF

I’m guessing that this child is thinking “WTF is that?!” Not a lot of kangaroos in Afghanistan.

KABUL, Afghanistan (Nov. 20, 2008) Lt. Jessica Gandy, public affairs officer for the International Security Assistance Force, gives a stuffed kangaroo to cheer up an Afghan girl in the Indira Ghandi Children’s Hospital Burn Ward. International service members assigned to ISAF gave stuffed animals and crayons to the children in the downtown Kabul, Afghanistan hospital. The hospital budget is $400 per month. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Petty Officer 1st Class Monica R. Nelson

In the early morning hours of September 2, Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) successfully delivered a new turbine to Kajaki Dam in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

The result of the operation will be a much needed increase in capacity to generate electrical power, which will create a better quality of life for Afghan people in southern Afghanistan.

The multinational convoy travelled 180km over road and desert tracks to reach its destination. 4,000 ANSF and ISAF troops were involved in the operation, including United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Denmark and Australia, providing security to the convoy and dominating the ground around it.

The project, supported by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA), is one part of the international community’s effort towards redevelopment in the southern region, and has been funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

“Even though it was just one step in a much wider and more long-term reconstruction project, this operation clearly demonstrated ANSF and ISAF commitment to the reconstruction effort in Afghanistan,” says Major General Lessard, Commander of ISAF Regional Command South. “ANSF and ISAF believe that the population of Afghanistan are entitled to live in honour and dignity and will stay the course to help them to have a normal life,” he added.

“Despite the disruptive effort from the insurgents, we achieved our goal and delivered the new turbine to Kajaki Dam,” Major General Lessard stated “the insurgents’ efforts have not been successful. They will not win and are not winning in the southern region.”

This project demonstrates the long term commitment of GIRoA and ISAF to support development and growth in southern Afghanistan.

ISAF