Afghan Commandos Complete Clearing Operations in Char Chineh, While Engaging the Local Populace
Regional Command South
Headquarters, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan
U.S. Navy SEALs along with their Afghan Partner Forces conduct a patrol in the early morning hours during a four-day clearing operation of the lower Char Chineh Valley, Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan, June 30, 2011. They conducted the joint operation to deny insurgents sanctuary and staging areas in order to secure surrounding military bases and checkpoints. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Kaily Brown) (Released)
Uruzgan, Afghanistan (July 4, 2011)– A combined team of Afghan National Army Commandos, Afghan National Police, and coalition Special Operations Forces conducted a four-day clearing operation to deny insurgents sanctuary and staging areas in order to secure surrounding military bases and checkpoints in the Char Chineh Valley. The mission began in a heavily populated Taliban area near upper Doan, on June 28th.
“We wanted to engage local citizens and speak with village elders in order to gain atmospherics on the area,” said an Afghan Commando team leader.
According to a village elder in Char Chineh, the people are always facing intimidation from the Taliban.
“We just want them out of our area,” the elder said.
A coalition Special Operations team leader said the joint forces encountered heavy insurgent attacks on the second and third days of the operation, but Afghan Commandos led the way in suppressing the enemy.
“They are showing that Afghan Forces can create solutions for Afghan people,” he said.
While leading Afghan and Coalition forces to a Taliban weapons cache, villagers emphasized their desire to expel insurgent activity in their community, and asked Afghan and Coalition officials for an Afghan Local Police force to help provide security from the Taliban.
An Afghan Commando team leader said as long as the local citizens are willing to cooperate with security forces provided by the Afghan government, progress will be made in creating a safer environment for them to live in.
“I care about this place. I come here willing to risk my life for the people of this village. I want them to be willing to fight for their village as well,” said an Afghan Commando. “I want to help the Afghan people and show them that the Afghan government is here to help them as well.”
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