Story by Staff Sgt. Osvaldo Equite
Afghan security forces overlook the surrounding area during a tour of a U.S. base in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Sept.15, 2013. Afghan security foces continue to take the lean in securing Afghan's future as U.S. forces transition the last remaining Village Stability Platform in the province to Afghan forces. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Juaquime Wright/Released)
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. forces transitioned their last remaining Village Stability Platform in Helmand to Afghan forces Sept.15 in Nahr-e Saraj district.
Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade, 215th Afghan National Army Corps established Patrol Base Rahim after District Gov. Mohammed Fahim requested the transfer less than a month ago, said 1st Lt. Abdul Nasir Rashiq, an ANA officer with the unit.
“Today marks the transition of the last VSP in the province to the control of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” said an Afghan National Army Special Forces team leader during the
transition.
U.S. forces built the platform to connect villagers to district leaders to improve local security, development, and governance in Afghanistan.
Afghan Special Forces soldiers guided more than 50 ANA soldiers to defensive positions in the compound and assisted with establishing security sectors after U.S. forces relocated closer to the district center.
Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/113909/afghan-security-forces-take-lead-helmand#ixzz2fOrlBfB1
Story by Staff Sgt. Opal Vaughn NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan- Afghan Commando from 1st Special Operation Kandak conducted a clearing operation Sept. 17 in Chaparhar district.
This operation supports the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s and Afghan National Security Forces’ priorities to secure Highway-7. It also sought to displace insurgents along the highway preventing attacks against ANSF.
For several weeks 1st SOK, conducted numerous dismounted patrols in the district to destroy insurgent IED networks. Beginning Sept. 3 they conducted another clearance due to the high threat of implanted IEDs along the highway. That operation concluded Sept. 5.
With GIRoA recent announcement of Tranche 5/ Milestone 2013, ANSF have irreversibly taken the lead for Afghanistan’s security. On this mission the Commandos were able to highlight their mobility and ground force assault capabilities.
“Our operations are successful because we are the sons of this country,” said 1st SOK commander Lt. Col. Massoud Stanakzai. “We love our country and would do anything for it.”
“The second reason is that we do our operations independently,” Stanakzai continued. “We conducted a successful operation with no civilian casualties. That will help bring security and peace for the people living in this district.”
Afghan National Army Commandos are an elite group who conducts high-risk operations in remote areas known to be enemy strongholds. These counterinsurgency missions assist national and local police in their efforts to increase security, governance, and development.
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