Helmand Province governor visits local leaders, Marines in Nawa District
NAWA, HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan-Local Afghan men attend a shura in the Nawa District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, July 23. The shura was held by provincial governor Gulab Mangal with hopes of re-establishing the Afghan government in the Nawa District. Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan, are deployed in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Force and will participate in counterinsurgency operations and training and mentoring the Afghan National Security Forces to improve security and stability in Afghanistan., Staff Sgt. William Greeson, 7/22/2009
The provincial governor attended along with the district governor, district administrator and high-ranking officials from the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and U.S. Marine Corps.
“The fact that he (the provincial governor) was interested to come to Nawa is a big deal,” said Capt. Frank Biggio, the civil affairs team leader for 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and a 38-year-old, Washington D.C. native. “It shows that it’s safe enough for him to come here and that people from all around this area with different backgrounds and views are interested to hear what he has to say.”
Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan commanding general, also attended the shura and addressed the local Afghans.
“Things are getting better, and we’re seeing more progress. It’s been a pretty incredible turn around,” said Nicholson. “The ANA is having success wherever they go. I think if we work together, we could be more effective.”
Lt. Col. William McCollough, commanding officer of 1/5, also addressed the crowd, commenting on the positive changes that have taken place in Nawa District.
“Less than a month ago, we could not have flown a helicopter in during the day. This base and this district center were subject to fire,” McCollough said. “If we tried to hold a meeting, maybe one or two elders would come. It’s been a striking difference that we hope to continue.”
NAWA, HELMAND PROVINCE - Afghanistan-A local Nawa District elder address the crowd of Afghan men during a shura, a meeting of local leaders, July 23. Members of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, are engaged in counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the Afghan national security forces to improve security and stability in southern Afghanistan. , Staff Sgt William Greeson, 7/22/2009
With enemy contact almost nonexistent, IEDs are the enemy’s weapon of choice for disrupting the battalion’s efforts.
“The enemy is being driven out of the area, and as they go, they are leaving IEDs behind. It’s mostly affecting the people. It’s not really affecting us,” Nicholson explained. “Three children died this week because of this threat. Using all our assets, I think we can eliminate the problem.”
Members of the Taliban continue to intimidate and sometimes harm the local citizens.
“The Taliban have killed 25 people in this area. They are killing their own,” Nicholson said.
Nawa District is preparing to hold elections. This will be a major step in extending the authority of the legitimate government in the region. Many locals might think Marines will leave once the elections are over.
“They will be very surprised after the election to see that we’re still here,” Nicholson said. “The next 30 days is going to be very interesting.”
With positive changes already taking place, 1/5 believes they will be closer to completely securing Nawa District in the coming months.
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