By Sgt. Francis J. O’Brien, 116th Infantry BCT
ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Oct. 18, 2011) – The stalls of fruit vendors along Highway One in downtown Qalat are filled once again with pomegranates, thanks to the success of the joint U.S. - Afghan National Army “Operation Fairbanks," a mission to reopen the road between Qalat and Mizan and liberate it from Taliban control.
One of the primary factors in our planning of the mission was getting that pomegranate harvest to market, said Macon, Mo. native, Capt. Jeremy M. Teter, Charlie Company commander, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment. Previously, farmers were forced to pay a tax to the Taliban. Their ability to get product to market tax free is a much needed economic boost to the region, he added.
Much like the pomegranate harvest itself, the seeds of Operation Fairbanks which concluded Sept. 21, are bearing fruit. The seeds, recently built security checkpoints along the road manned by ANAsSoldiers, have borne fruit in the form of increased economic development from a bountiful pomegranate harvest thanks to early rains and unusually warm weather.
“It used to take four to five hours to get from Mizan to Qalat. Now it takes only one hour,” said Mizan District Gov. Mohammed Zareef. “The people of the Mizan District can start businesses and conduct business every minute of every day now. All the people of Mizan say thank you for the checkpoints and bringing security to us,”
One of the new businesses that has grown in the fertile soil of the new economic climate is a pomegranate taxi service.
“A local taxi company just started up to take all the pomegranates to market,” said 1st Lt. Scott J. Harman, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Virginia Army National Guard electronic warfare officer. “I think the driver is a female.”
U.S. soldiers were pleased to see their hard work on behalf of the Afghan people bearing fruit.
“The Afghan people just took advantage of the newly open road and ran with it,” said Sgt. 1st Class Janis M. Albuquerque of the 116th IBCT civil affairs office.
Economic security is an issue that has been raised by the U.S. State Dept. local government meetings, especially in relation to the Mizan district – one of the poorest of Zabul province.
“Because the road is safer to travel, the people of Mizan are getting much better prices for their goods,” said Maj. William R. O’Neal of the Virginia Army National Guard 116th IBCT. “And thanks to the good work of the ANA Soldiers, new projects are coming to Mizan.”
A shura between Zabul’s provincial governor, Mizan district governor and Mizan district elders, representing a significant expansion of the presence of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan was held Sept. 29. Some attendees had never seen a government official before or had the opportunity to hear Zareef speak.
“My plans include stores and shops so they can make money.” said Zareef. “Soon, I will be bringing big changes between Mizan and its relationships with the other districts.”
Operation Fairbanks was led by Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division from Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Their mission was to clear and secure Route Chicken, the primary road between Qalat and Mizan, of any improvised explosive devices and build four checkpoints for Afghan National Army Soldiers. ANA Soldiers are stationed at the checkpoints for a nine month tour of duty patrolling the area and providing security