Current Events: Afghanistan

Comedians Bring Laughter to Troops in Afghanistan

2005-08-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Aug. 25, 2005 - The mountains of northern Afghanistan echoed with laughter today, as television comedy star Drew Carey and four other comedians took their act on the road to three forward operating bases.

The tour is the first joint endeavor between Armed Forces Entertainment and the Defense Department's "America Supports You" program.

A big show at the "clam shell" tent here is scheduled for Aug. 26.

The troupe performed for soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines at bases in Mahtar Lam, Jalalabad and Asadabad. Shuttling among the sites aboard an Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter, the comics performed in temperatures ranging from the 80s this morning to well in excess of 120 degrees by the day's last show.

Joining Carey on the tour are comedians Steve Byrne, Pedro Hernandez, Dave Mordal and Jimmy Shubert. Each comic performed individually, bringing his own brand of humor to the appreciative audiences. In addition to the comedy, each performer made it a point to thank the troops for the work they do.

"America supports you," Hernandez told the troops. "You are the greatest fighting force on the planet." The other comedians also stayed serious long enough in their performances to remind the troops that the American people are behind them.

"I think it's great that they came out here to perform for us," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica Hildebrand, a radio operator deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., serving with the Army's 44th Signal Battalion. "We really do appreciate it. Things like this show can really do wonders for our morale."

A pair of Marines deployed from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, at Kaneohe Bay, also enjoyed the comedians' visit.

"It sure does break up the monotony," said Lance Cpl. Ryan Recquin, a fire team leader. "I'm glad they came to see us."

Lance Cpl. Jeromey Hooee said he appreciates that the troops serving in Afghanistan aren't being forgotten. "They do this kind of thing in Iraq," he noted, "so it's great that they come here too."

As they have everywhere they've been, whether in dining facilities, work centers or at their shows, the comedians cheerfully talked with the servicemembers, asked about their hometowns and their work, signed autographs, and posed for pictures.

After their tour of the forward operating areas, the comedians returned here soaked with perspiration, exhausted from the heat and lack of sleep -- and ready to meet more troops. They visited with Special Forces troops for dinner before turning in for the first full night's sleep they'll have had since arriving in the region three days ago.

"This was a great day," Shubert said. "I'm glad we're doing this."

Drew Carey Leads Comic Tour of Afghanistan

2005-08-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

By John D. Banusiewicz
American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Aug. 25, 2005 - After spending most of the last 24 hours meeting airmen at an air base in Southwest Asia, a group of comedians led by television star Drew Carey arrived here early today to entertain the troops.

Along with Carey, comedians Dave Mordal, Jimmy Shubert, Steve Byrne and Pedro Hernandez are on the tour.

On a whirlwind day Aug. 24, the comics met, signed autographs for and posed for pictures with hundreds of airmen assigned to the Air Force's 379th Expeditionary Wing before boarding a C-130 transport for the five-hour flight to Bagram.

Today, the comics are scheduled to perform at Methar, Jalalabad and Asadabad forward operating bases in Afghanistan before returning for a performance at Bagram's "clam shell" on Aug. 26.

The tour is the first partnership between Defense Department's Armed Forces Entertainment and DoD's America Supports You program. It's a way to bring the America Supports You message directly to the troops, said Brian Natwick of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, which oversees the ASY program.

America Supports You showcases the efforts of everyone from ordinary citizens to powerful corporations in supporting the nation's men and women serving in the global war on terror, Natwick said, and it's important that people in uniform know about that support.

"So entering a partnership with Armed Forces Entertainment is natural for us," Natwick explained. "This tour, along with other things we're planning, will help us communicate to the troops how much the nation values their service," he said.

Armed Forces Entertainment usually works in concert with the United Service Organizations in bringing big-name entertainment to troops overseas, explained Marine Capt. Jesse Davidson, AFE's Southwest Asia circuit manager. But AFE also works on its own to provide a steady stream of both famous and lesser-known, but talented, performers to the nation's armed forces and their families living outside the United States.

"We've had everything from Frisbee-catching dogs to magicians to jazz bands," Davidson said.

Afghan Army, U.S. Marine Operation Helps Secure Konar Province

2005-08-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Aug. 22, 2005 - Afghan National Army forces and U.S. Marines killed more than 40 enemy combatants during an offensive operation over the last few weeks in the districts of Chawkay, Asadabad, Pech and Narang, in Afghanistan's Konar province.

The ANA and Marines fought side by side in 29 separate engagements against the enemy, disrupting hostile activity during Operation Whalers. The operation's purpose was to disrupt enemy forces in the area and to clear the way for successful elections, Combined Forces Command Afghanistan officials said.

"The ANA have demonstrated their abilities with great success," said Marine Lt. Col. James E. Donnellan, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. "The willingness and professionalism of the ANA to engage the enemy will ensure success for the security of Afghanistan."

Lt. Col. Nasir, commanding officer of the ANA battalion, also said he was proud of the courage shown by his Afghan soldiers. Afghan soldiers have made many sacrifices to fight for a democratic and free Afghanistan and, with the help of coalition forces, they will win the war on terrorism and defeat the enemies of Afghanistan,
Nasir said.

Afghan and U.S. forces worked in close coordination with local leaders regarding the mission, meeting several times with Provincial Governor Wafa during the operation. Wafa also broadcasted several messages on local radio stations explaining the purpose of the operation.

Civil affairs and medical personnel also ensured Afghan citizens in the area received medical treatment and an opportunity to prosper and improve their lifestyle. U.S. forces brought much-needed supplies, humanitarian and civil assistance to some of the local residents.

Wafa said he expects this operation to encourage former enemies of Afghanistan to reconcile and join Program Takhim-e Solh, the Afghan government's reconciliation program, so they can participate in the democratic process of rebuilding the country.

"The enemy continues to learn the hard way that U.S., coalition and Afghan National Security forces will continue to be relentless in their search for and destruction of the enemy," Army Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya, Combined Joint Task Force 76 commanding general, said.

"In a few weeks, the people of Afghanistan will elect a National Assembly, which will constitute a vote against continued violence and suffering and a vote for a free and prosperous future," Kamiya said. "The enemy, too, has choices to make: to peacefully and honorably reconcile with Afghanistan's national government and become part of Afghanistan's brighter future, or to continue to live in the shadow of continued military confrontation, violence, death and defeat."

(From a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.)

U.S. General Details Afghan Election Effort

2005-08-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Aug. 19, 2005 - The Afghan and coalition effort to hold elections Sept. 18 is ongoing, and the process will extend until the National Assembly is seated in December or January, the head of Combined Forces Command Afghanistan said today.

Army Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry spoke with reporters traveling with Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Myers is in the midst of a 10-day trip that has taken him and a USO troupe to Germany, Kosovo, Kuwait and Iraq before stopping here and at the main air base in Afghanistan in Bagram.

Eikenberry said he is "very comfortable" with what has already been done and with what has been planned for the September elections. He said the process is based on the successes seen in the October 2004 presidential election.

"The basic concept is pretty simple," he said. There will be thousands of polling places set up around the country. Six Afghan police will be stationed inside the polling stations to maintain order and provide close-in security.

Officials will place a ring of Afghan police or soldiers from the Afghan National Army around the polling stations. Supporting them will be quick-reaction forces from the Army or police.

Still farther outside will be coalition forces or members of NATO's International Security Assistance Force. There are about 8,500 soldiers in ISAF and about 21,000 servicemembers in the coalition force - most of them American.

The Afghan government has about 25,000 soldiers in the Afghan National Army and about 50,000 Afghan National Police, Eikenberry said. "We're the final ring of quick-reaction forces," he said. "The closer you get in to the polling site itself, the more it is an Afghan-led and Afghan-conducted operation."

The Afghan government developed the security plan with assistance from staff at Eikenberry's headquarters.

Last October an overwhelming number of Afghans defied the Taliban and al Qaeda remnants in the country and voted Hamid Karzai into the presidency.

But the process does not end when Afghans cast their votes on Sept. 18. It won't be until the end of October that official results will be announced. The newly elected members of the National Assembly may not take their seats until the middle of December or even January. "The election process is not over until that parliament is seated," Eikenberry said.

The general said the coalition and Afghan soldiers have kept the pressure on the Taliban during the summer months - typically the time of combat in the country.

He said that Afghan security capacity has grown dramatically since the presidential elections and that Afghan soldiers participate in roughly 65 percent of all operations in the country.

If the Afghans and coalition do not take the fight to the enemy, the Taliban will "attack innocents," Eikenberry said. The Taliban extremists will attempt to disrupt the election by intimidating candidates, murdering poll workers and launching attacks against polling places.

He said there is probably more Taliban in the field today than last year. "The explanation can be that the Taliban leadership ... is trying to put together combinations of forces to come at this election, knowing that if they suffer a defeat in this election, that is another huge strategic setback for them in the long term," he said.

Army Maj. Gen. Jason Kamiya, the commander of Combined Joint Task Force 76 based in Bagram, said that between April and June, his forces had killed between 450 and 500 Taliban fighters. He said it seems as if the Taliban is trying to "thicken" its forces in the country to disrupt the election.

The coalition has responded by bringing in the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry, from Fort Bragg, N.C., this summer. This addition enables the coalition to maintain its offensive against the Taliban and disrupt them before they can attack.

Kamiya said the strategy seems to be having an effect: The Taliban fighters they are coming up against are younger and less experienced than in the past. Control issues in the organization also means the fighters are staying in larger groups. "We're fine with that," Kamiya said.

Eikenberry said coalition forces are able to range much farther and with more persistence than last year. "The reason is a more capable Afghan National Army," he said.

The general is on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. His first assignment was as head of the U.S. security coordinator and chief of the Office of Military Cooperation for a year ending in September 2003.

He said since taking over the command three months ago, he has traveled to 15 provinces in the country and spoken to more than a thousand Afghans of all ethnicities and walks of life.
"I ask if they are aware of the election. They say 'yes,'" he said. "I ask if they are going to vote, they answer in the typical Afghan way by saying, 'Why not?' And then I ask them why they will vote and they say, 'I'm going to vote because I'm tired of warfare and I should have a stake now in the future of our country.'"

"Between now and the 18th of September (the enemy) can't beat that," he said.

Canadian Military Assumes Command of Afghanistan PRT

2005-08-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2005 - The Canadian military assumed responsibility for the provisional reconstruction team located in Kandahar, Afghanistan, during an Aug. 16 ceremony.The U.S. military had previously commanded the team.

"Reconstruction, along with security, is the top priority for coalition forces here in Afghanistan," said Army Brig. Gen. Jack Sterling, Combined Joint Task Force 76 deputy commander for support. "We welcome our brothers in arms from Canada. The Canadian forces are a world-class, fully capable, professional force, and it will be a privilege to work alongside them as they extend the work (started) here in Kandahar by the U.S. PRT.

"This transfer of authority marks the beginning of a significant transition to what will ultimately be a NATO-led effort," he continued. "The U.S. remains committed to doing our part in the strengthening of democracy here in the Kandahar province and throughout Afghanistan."

More than 1,500 Canadians are serving in Afghanistan. Of that number, more than 250 will serve at the Kandahar PRT, officials said.

In other news from Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew 27 close air support and armed reconnaissance sorties Aug. 16 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. These missions included support to coalition and Afghan troops, the parliamentary and provincial election process, border security and reconstruction activities, officials said.

U.S. Air Force A-10s, a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle and a B-52 bomber flew close air support missions in support of coalition troops near Jalalabad. The B-52 fired four precision-guided JDAM missiles against enemy targets.

Other U.S. Air Force A-10s, a Predator and a B-52 provided close air support to coalition troops near Bermel, Kabul, Kandahar, and Shkin.

Five U.S. Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft also flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. British and French air force fighter aircraft also performed in a nontraditional ISR role.

U.S. Air Force C-17s and C-130s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa. About 150 airlift sorties were flown, moving nearly 2,690 passengers and more than 360 tons of cargo. This included about 12,500 pounds of troop re-supply airdropped to coalition ground forces in eastern Afghanistan.

(Compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan and U.S. Central Command Air Forces Forward news releases.)

Afghan, U.S. Forces Kill Six Enemy Combatants

2005-08-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2005 - Afghan and U.S. forces killed six enemy combatants after the militants fired at a forward operating base near the city of Deh Rahwod in southern Afghanistan on Aug. 14, U.S. officials reported today.

The militants launched a small-arms and rocket attack on the base, and Afghan National Army and U.S. forces returned fire with small arms and called for close air support. Coalition forces captured one light machine gun, four assault rifles and one radio.

"Afghan and U.S. forces are engaging and killing the enemies of Afghanistan at every turn," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara, a Combined Joint Task Force 76 spokesman. "It has been proven time after time that the enemies of Afghanistan cannot stand face to face with Afghan and U.S. forces and expect to be successful."

No Afghan or U.S. forces were injured in the incident, officials said.

Elsewhere in Afghanistan, members of the Helmand province governor's security task force turned in a large cache of ammunition, consisting of 172 rockets, 123 mortar rounds, and six tank rounds, to the Lashkar Gah provincial reconstruction team Aug. 14.

Afghan security forces recovered the cache in a village northeast of Lashkar Gah. Officials reported that this is the first time the governor's security forces in Helmand province turned in a cache to coalition forces. It also is the largest the provincial reconstruction team has received in the past three months.

"Munitions such as these are dangerous and unstable and pose a great threat to the people living and working near them," said Capt. Fidel Arvelo, commander of the team's explosive ordnance control team. "We applaud the efforts of security forces that are doing the right thing by turning these dangerous items in to us for safe destruction."

Coalition forces reported a 25 percent increase in the number of caches recovered by Afghans and Afghan forces as compared to this time last year, officials said.

(Compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news releases.)

Afghan Valley to Receive $2.4 Million for Reconstruction

2005-08-16T15:05:00.000-07:00

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Aug. 16, 2005 - Afghanistan's Baghran Valley, once home to Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar, will receive more than $2 million in U.S. reconstruction funds over the next six months.

The area will receive $2.4 million in an effort to bring peace, prosperity and security to the region once known as a bastion of Taliban ideology. Projects include reconstruction of the area's most prominent Mosque, a new high school, road repair, and equipping the local police force with motorcycles.

Officials announced the projects during a recent groundbreaking ceremony.

"The people of this valley have asked for our help, and we're delivering," provincial reconstruction team commander U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jim Hogberg said during the ceremony.

About 30 members of his reconstruction team accompanied Hogberg. He also congratulated the Afghan people for supporting their own peaceful future and reminded them of the importance of voting in upcoming elections.

The provincial governor's chief of staff and numerous dignitaries from throughout the province attended the ceremony. Afghan and U.S. officials distributed newspapers and free radios to the crowd.

As the provisional reconstruction team announced the projects, former Taliban leader Rais Bagharni, a participant in the government of Afghanistan's reconciliation program, announced his intent to run in September's parliamentary elections.

"Reconstruction is my jihad," Bagharni said, adding that he was committed to helping the PRTs with reconstruction efforts in the area.

One of the area's most visible projects is paving a 700-meter road through the town's center, which will give the people living in the area easier access to the shopping district.

In another nearby ceremony recently, Kandahar province Gov. Assa Dullah Khalid; U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bert Ges, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment; and U.S.
Army Lt. Col. Robbie Ball, commander of the Kandahar provincial reconstruction team, cut the ribbon on a bridge spanning the Tarnak River. The bridge cost nearly $300,000 and took almost two years to complete. The bridge links the Baghran Valley with nearby major centers of commerce, which will improve the overall economy of the area.

The projects, which will use contracted Afghan construction firms, are expected to take anywhere from three to six months to complete, officials said.

(From a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.)

U.S., Afghan Security Forces Battle Insurgents

2005-08-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2005 - Three insurgents were killed and two Afghan National Police were injured during a firefight that occurred near the city of Deh Rahwod in southern Afghanistan's Uruzgan province on Aug. 12.

The battle occurred when Afghan and U.S. forces patrolling the area encountered an unknown number of enemy combatants.

"Afghan and U.S. forces are experiencing tremendous success against the enemies of Afghanistan," said Combined Joint Task Force 76 Command Sgt. Maj. Luniasolua Savusa.

The two injured Afghan police were evacuated to a nearby base for treatment. One enemy combatant was detained during the incident. A light machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade were confiscated.

"While we would prefer to spend more of our energies on reconstruction efforts," Savusa said, "we cannot do that until this nation is free of enemy combatants."

Afghans and coalition forces "will continue to bring the fight to the enemies of peace, to not let up and to ensure Afghans across this nation have a safe and secure future," the sergeant major said.

And one enemy combatant was killed Aug. 12 during an attack south of Kabul when an IED detonated as an Afghan and U.S. military convoy was passing by.

There were no Afghan or U.S. forces casualties and only minor damage occurred to one military vehicle as a result of the action.

Seven to 10 individuals with small arms and RPGs had fired on the convoy, according to a coalition official. The attackers fled after being engaged by Afghan forces and U.S. paratroopers with the 1st Battalion, 325 Infantry Regiment.

"The paratroopers of the 1/325 came here to assist Afghanistan security forces in ensuring there is a successful election. This activity shows they are doing just that," said Army Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara, CJTF 76 spokesman.

"Afghan and U.S. forces are going to continue working together to ensure that Afghanistan is safe and secure," he said.

(Compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan press releases.)

Afghanistan Clashes Leave Six Enemy Dead, Three Americans Wounded

2005-08-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2005 - Six enemy combatants were killed and three U.S. servicemembers and an Afghan interpreter were wounded in eastern Afghanistan Aug. 9, military officials reported.

The injured were evacuated to medical facilities at nearby U.S. bases and were reported to be in stable condition.

Afghan and U.S. forces in Paktika province were conducting offensive operations near Wazikwa to defeat and disrupt enemy activity. The Afghan and U.S. patrol made contact with enemy forces near Wazikwa, and the enemy fled shortly afterward toward a nearby cave complex. The patrol pursued them, killing one. The three U.S. soldiers and interpreter were wounded during the fight, officials said.

Several hours later during pursuit operations, the same Afghan and U.S. patrol came into contact with additional enemy forces, killing five enemy fighters.

"The combination of Afghan and U.S. forces are having great success against the enemy in Afghanistan," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara, Combined Joint Task Force 76 spokesman.
"We will continue to aggressively seek the enemy out until there are no safe havens left for them in Afghanistan."

Servicemember Killed in Afghanistan; Three Caches Discovered

2005-08-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9, 2005 - At least 16 enemy forces and one U.S. servicemember were killed Aug. 8 during a firefight southwest of Deh Chopan, Afghanistan, military officials reported.

The servicemember was killed when an Afghan and U.S. patrol conducting operations aimed at routing enemy forces from the Deh Chopan area came under an unprovoked attack by enemy forces with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. U.S. and coalition aircraft arrived at the scene and provided continuous close air support.

Battle damage assessment is ongoing, officials said. Initial estimates indicate at least 16 enemy forces were killed. Civilians were not involved in the attack.

"While we are bringing the fight to the enemy forces in the area and experiencing great successes against them, it comes at a heavy cost," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James G. Champion, Combined Joint Task Force 76 deputy commanding general. "We are greatly saddened by the loss of one of our own, but are able to take solace in the fact that we are ridding this area of an oppressive and violent enemy. Afghan and U.S. forces will continue this search and attack mission to ensure there are no enemy safe havens in this region."

The name of the deceased servicemember is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Elsewhere in Afghanistan, two U.S. servicemembers were injured today near Ghazni when an improvised explosive device hit the vehicle they were traveling in. Both servicemembers were reported to be in stable condition and are being evacuated to Bagram Air Base for treatment.

The unit was conducting operations designed to disrupt enemy activity in the region at the time of the attack, U.S. officials said.

"These devices are used by cowardly individuals. Our operations are aimed precisely at finding and bringing people like this to justice," Champion said. "Our world-class medical professionals are making sure our people are getting the best medical treatment available."

In other developments, three separate caches were discovered across eastern Afghanistan Aug. 7.

The first cache, discovered near Jalalabad, consisted of an anti-aircraft gun, 23 mortar fuses, 38 rockets, 40 mortar rounds, 14 rocket-propelled grenades and several hundred rounds of anti-aircraft ammunition. The cache was transported to a nearby forward operating base for destruction at a later date.

Another cache, this one discovered northwest of Asadabad, contained a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher, 12 shotguns, 10 pounds of explosives, several bolt-action rifles, and about 50 rocket-propelled grenades. The cache is also being transported to a nearby base for destruction.

The third cache was discovered inside a long tunnel north of Salerno and contained 50 tank rounds, 30 recoilless-rifle rounds, and 20 mortar rounds. All items in this cache were determined to be unstable and unserviceable, officials said. Explosive ordnance personnel destroyed the cache.

"These munitions are dangerous, not only as IED-making materiel, but because they are not properly stored," said Capt. Fidel Arvelo, explosive ordnance control team officer in charge. "These munitions, when left exposed to the elements, can become unstable and can represent a very real danger to anyone living or working near them."

In a statement, Arvelo said the coalition encourages "all Afghans to immediately report the location of these dangerous munitions to Afghan and coalition forces."

(Compiled from U.S. Central Command and Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news releases.)

Former Taliban Commander Joins Forces With Afghan Government

2005-08-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, Aug. 8, 2005 - A former Taliban sub-commander of the Paktika province has renounced violence against the government of Afghanistan, further fragmenting the Taliban command structure in eastern Afghanistan, military officials said.

Mullah Hajji Jalani formally joined the Program Takhim-E-Sohl Aug. 4. A ceremony honoring his decision will be held Aug. 9.

The terrorist cell he was formerly associated with has been accused of conducting and planning a variety of attacks against the Afghan people, the Afghan government, and Afghan and coalition forces.

"The fact that Mullah Hajji Jalani has joined with the government of Afghanistan is a positive sign Afghanistan is moving in the right direction," said Army Brig. Gen. James G. Champion, Combined Joint Task Force 76 deputy commanding general. "It's a sign the government of this country is making real and measurable progress toward better security and a brighter future. Mullah Hajji Jalani has realized this and has joined with the government to make Afghanistan a better place for all who live here."

As a result of Jalani's decision to enroll in the program, another 12 former Taliban loyalists have come forward in that province seeking more information on the program and have expressed interest in enrolling.

The PTS program is a tool the government of Afghanistan uses to encourage former Taliban regime members to renounce violence and join with the government to build a more secure country. During the past six months, more then 100 former regime members have joined the program.

(From a Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.)

Afghan, Coalition Forces Stymie Terrorist Attacks in Afghanistan

2005-08-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2005 - Afghan and coalition forces stopped several terrorist attacks on Aug. 5 and 6 when they destroyed three improvised explosive devices in southern and eastern Afghanistan, U.S. military officials said today.

The first IED was found near Mehtar Lam, in Laghman province, and transferred to a nearby company of Marines. The Marines rendered the device safe before transporting it to a U.S. military base, where it will be destroyed, officials said.

The second IED was discovered in southern Afghanistan. Afghan police forces disabled the device, made from an anti-tank mine, before turning it over to U.S. paratroopers assigned to Task Force Bayonet. Engineers safely destroyed that IED a short time later, officials said.

The third IED was discovered south of the city of Ghazni, in Ghazni province, by a coalition patrol. The patrol rendered the device safe and transferred it to a nearby base for destruction, officials said.

Iin southern Afghanistan Aug. 6, the ANP disrupted an enemy ambush in the city of Qalat, in Zabul province. Afghan police forces reportedly killed one enemy combatant in the brief resultant firefight. One ANP officer was wounded in the attack; he was transported to Kandahar Airfield for treatment, officials said.

According to U.S. military officials, the incident occurred when enemy forces ambushed an Afghan police patrol with small-arms fire. The enemy forces immediately fled the area, but were pursued by Afghan National Police, who were assisted by U.S. military force. These enemy forces remain at large, officials said.

U.S. military units in Afghanistan are conducting operations designed to deny sanctuary and freedom of movement to enemy forces, officials said. "The forces that attack those charged with protecting Afghans from crime and terror are trying to prevent Afghanistan from having a bright future," U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara, a spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force 76, said.

"Afghan forces -- be they army, police or security -- are striving to ensure this nation is free of terror and violence so that Afghans might know peace and prosperity," he added.
In other news from Afghanistan, a suicide bomber was detained as he attempted to detonate a series of explosives attached to his body at a U.S. base south of Salerno, near the Pakistani border, Aug. 6, officials said.

The potential bomber attempted to enter a U.S. facility in the region under the guise of needing medical attention. At the gate he produced a grenade, which he attempted to detonate, officials said. But the grenade failed to detonate, and security forces apprehended the man. The suicide bomber also had two anti-personnel mines and a second grenade attached to his body. He is now in the custody of Afghan forces, officials said.

(Compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news releases.)

U.S. General: Taliban Weakened By Afghan Reconstruction

2005-08-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2005 - Members of the deposed Taliban, who had hosted and supported Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network in Afghanistan, are seeking to harass and stop coalition reconstruction efforts across the country, a senior U.S. military operations officer there reported Aug. 4.

The Taliban are "losing their legitimacy" in the eyes of Afghan citizens because of myriad coalition reconstruction projects, like road building, water purification, well digging, and school- and hospital-refurbishing, conducted across Afghanistan, Army Brig. Gen. James G. Champion, deputy commanding general of operations and intelligence for Combined Joint Task Force 76, told reporters at a news briefing via an audio link to the Pentagon.

As a result, the Taliban "are becoming more ruthless and continue to try and halt reconstruction," Champion said, noting the insurgents now operate in small groups and try to avoid major engagements with coalition forces.

Afghan National Army soldiers have "taken on the main role of combating terrorist activity" in Oruzgan province, the general said. "Every time the enemy has come into contact with Afghan and coalition forces here, they have been decisively defeated," Champion said.

There are now about 18,000 U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, Champion said, noting that U.S. and coalition forces have been aggressive in seeking out and engaging the enemy since good weather arrived this spring.

Champion said the insurgent situation in Zabul and northern Kandahar provinces is similar to that of Oruzgan: "The enemy attacks in small groups and are more cowardly in their tactics." Yet, despite enemy activity in these two provinces, there is still strong public support for the government of Afghanistan, Champion said, pointing to major coalition reconstruction projects in the region.

For example, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers soldiers and coalition troops are close to finishing the Tarin Kowt to Kandahar road, Champion said. When completed, the 122-kilometer road "will promote Afghan security, political, civic, and economic growth," the general said.

The Tarin Kowt to Kandahar road is slated for early completion on Sept. 15, just days before the Sept. 18 Afghan elections. Champion noted that more than 2,000 Afghans are working in Zabul and northern Kandahar provinces on numerous reconstruction and development projects.

"With the completion of the TK to Kandahar road, we anticipate even more job opportunities," Champion pointed out.

Insurgents in Afghanistan Take Aim at Softer Targets

2005-08-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

By Gerry J. Gilmore

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2005 - The numbers of attacks on U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan "have not significantly increased from this time last year," a senior U.S. military operations officer in Afghanistan reported today.

The insurgents, however, do seem to be increasing their attacks against softer civilian targets, Army Brig. Gen. James G. Champion, deputy commanding general of operations and intelligence for Combined Joint Task Force 76, told reporters in the Pentagon via an audio link.

The pressure is clearly on for the insurgents in Afghanistan, Champion said, noting recent Taliban recruiting drives have proven to be "mainly ineffective."

Champion explained that insurgents in Afghanistan, including diehard Taliban remnants, are having difficulty convincing seasoned fighters to join them. The insurgents have lately turned to drafting 14- and 15-year-old boys into their ranks, he said.

There are now about 18,000 U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, Champion said, noting that U.S. and coalition forces have been aggressive in seeking out and engaging the enemy since good weather arrived this spring. "The attacks you are seeing are pretty much initiated" by elements of Combined Joint Task Force 76, which is the combat operations arm of Combined Forces Command Afghanistan, Champion said.

The U.S. and coalition focus in Afghanistan is to root out Taliban and al Qaeda-affiliated elements. As part of this mission about 75,000 Pakistani troops arrayed along the Afghan-Pakistani border have been "very active" lately in cooperating with U.S. and coalition forces in establishing insurgent-blocking checkpoints, Champion said.

Coordination between U.S., coalition and Pakistani forces "is getting better every day," Champion said, adding that Afghan leaders in Kandahar City recently renounced the Taliban's cause.

As insurgent forces in Afghanistan are increasingly pressured by U.S. and coalition troops, the insurgents seem to be employing more improvised explosive devices directed against softer civilian targets, Champion noted. Apparently becoming more desperate, the insurgents appear to be directing more attacks, including the use of suicide bombers and IEDs, "on innocent civilians" and against moderate religious leaders who've rejected Taliban ideology, he said.

"That's something we've not seen in Afghanistan before," the general said. However, "the Afghan population have been key players in our area of alerting us to IED" placements, as well as leading U.S. and coalition forces to IED makers, Champion said.

Although insurgents in Afghanistan and Iraq both use IEDs, Champion said he doesn't see any connection or relationship "between the tactics and techniques of the two groups in the two different theaters."

Afghan, Coalition Forces Find Weapons, Detain Enemy Fighters

2005-08-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2005 - Afghan and coalition forces discovered four weapons caches during combat operations this week, one of which was found southwest of Orgun-E in Paktika province after a brief firefight with enemy combatants Aug. 1, military officials in Kabul reported today.

During the fighting, Afghan National Police wounded one enemy combatant and detained two others.
According to military reports, enemy combatants fired on Afghan forces and fled into a nearby compound. Afghan National Police officers returned fire, wounding one of the attackers.

The wounded individual was taken to Kandahar Air Base for treatment and questioning. Afghan police then searched the compound and discovered material used for making improvised explosive devices, hand grenades, numerous parts of rocket-propelled grenades, and thousands of rounds of machine gun and AK-47 ammunition. The weapons were transported to a nearby base for destruction.

Military officials reported three more weapons caches were discovered by coalition forces in southern and eastern Afghanistan Aug. 2. The first was discovered near Bamian and consisted of 60 rocket-propelled grenades, 17 anti-tank missiles, and 600 rounds of anti-aircraft-gun ammunition.

Another cache found near Kabul contained 20 hand grenades, an anti-personnel mine, a mortar round, and materials to make improvised explosive devices. Explosive ordnance disposal personnel at the scene destroyed the contents of the cache.

A third cache near Kandahar consisted of a large amount of fertilizer, which can be used to make bombs, and plastic explosives.

(Compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news releases.)

Afghan, U.S. Troops Kill Six Insurgents, Capture 10 Others

2005-07-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, July 29, 2005 - Six enemy combatants were killed, one was wounded and 10 suspected enemy combatants were captured today after they attacked Afghan and U.S. forces near the city of Shinkay in Afghanistan's Zabul province, military officials reported.

There were no Afghan or U.S. casualties.

The wounded enemy combatant was reported to be in stable condition at the Kandahar Airfield medical facility, about 15 miles from the city of Kandahar.

Afghan and U.S. forces in the region were conducting security and stability operations at the time of the attack. In the last five days, Afghan and U.S. forces have killed about 20 enemy forces and detained 33 others in operations in Oruzgan and Zabul provinces.

"We would rather be directing more of our energies toward reconstruction and rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan, but when enemy forces attempt to stand in the way of progress here, we will have no other choice," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara, a spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force 76. "Afghan forces, working closely with U.S. forces, are doing everything they can to rid this country of their presence. The areas the enemies once considered safe havens are becoming smaller and smaller."

(Courtesy of Combined Forces Command Afghanistan.)

Insurgents Killed, Captured in Afghanistan

2005-07-28T13:19:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2005 - Afghan and U.S. forces killed three insurgents and captured 15 others in combat west of Tarin Kowt in Afghanistan's Oruzgan province today, U.S. military officials reported.

Two Afghan soldiers suffered minor injuries in the firefight and were transported to a nearby military base for treatment, officials said.

Afghan and U.S. forces returned fire when their joint patrol was hit by small-arms fire from an unknown number of enemy combatants. They are searching the area for more enemy forces. Coalition attack aircraft responded to the scene and provided close air support.

"This incident occurred in the same area where we are presently building a road for the Afghan people, a road that will become an artery for commerce," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jerry O'Hara, spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force 76. "This enemy is only concerned about killing and has no concern for the well-being of the Afghan people. Those who chose to stand against the government of Afghanistan, in the wake of the government's offer of reconciliation, do so at considerable risk."

Afghan and U.S. forces were conducting operations to deny the enemy safe havens in the area of the attack. Officials are questioning the 15 individuals detained.

American Forces Press Service

Officials Report on Chinook Incidents in Afghanistan

2005-07-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, July 28, 2005 - A coalition CH-47 Chinook helicopter made a "hard landing" due to "brown-out conditions" as the crew was attempting to insert forces southwest of the city of Spin Buldak on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan late on July 27, military officials reported today.

In aviation circles, brown-out conditions occur when helicopter rotors kick up dust and debris, reducing pilots' vision and can make landing dangerous.

The aircraft, one of two operating in the area at the time, was responding to reports of enemy activity. Chinooks are twin-engine, tandem rotor helicopters designed for transportation of cargo, troops and weapons during day, night, visual and instrument conditions.

Noting that hostile fire was not involved in the incident, officials said the aircraft was destroyed by fire, which is believed to have started from the hard landing. No one was injured in the incident. Afghan National Army and coalition forces have secured the site and a team of investigators is searching for the cause of the incident.

An investigation of the April 6 CH-47D Chinook helicopter crash near the Afghan city of Ghazni that killed 18 is complete, and the results have been provided to family members of those killed, according to U.S. officials in the Afghan capital of Kabul.

The U.S. Army's Collateral Investigation Board reviewed events leading up to the crash of the helicopter known as "Big Windy 25." Investigators found that the aircraft encountered a severe dust storm with winds of more than 45 knots that caused the pilots to lose outside visibility. The pilots were transitioning to instrument flight procedures when they became spatially disoriented and over-controlled the aircraft, investigators reported.

The five Army crewmembers and the passengers - six Army soldiers, one Marine, two Army National Guard soldiers, one Army Reserve soldier and three civilian contractors -- were killed, and the aircraft was destroyed.

The helicopter, which belonged to F Company, 159th Aviation Regiment, 12th Aviation Brigade, was transporting passengers and supplies from Forward Operations Base Orgun-E Kalan to Forward Operations Base Sarhawdza in Ghazni province.

"We mourn the loss of this crew and its passengers, and will never forget their selfless service and sacrifice," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jason K. Kamiya, commander of Combined Joint Task Force 76. "We have already implemented or are in the process of implementing the recommendations of the investigation team to preclude tragedies such as this from occurring in the future."

American Forces Press Service

New U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Sworn In

2005-07-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2005 - Saying he has the "ability to work hand in hand" with the U.S. military in the country, the new U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan took his oath of office from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice here today.

Ronald Neumann, whose father once served as ambassador to Afghanistan, said the struggle against violent extremists is not a clash of civilizations, but "a clash within Islam that seeks to remove our influence, so that it can impose by force a narrow view that would restrict human freedom and progress throughout the Islamic world."

Neumann said Muslim scholars repeatedly have rejected the al Qaeda view of the world. Success in Afghanistan would show the rest of the Muslim world that democracy can flourish, he said. "I am honored to help lead a team of courageous and dedicated civilian and military personnel towards securing Afghanistan's long-term security, democracy and prosperity," he said at the swearing-in ceremony at the State Department.

Neumann follows Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, now ambassador to Iraq. "I will be building on much that has been achieved by many others, and I am sure that even with success, much will remain to be done when I eventually hand over to a successor," he said. "I am privileged and honored to take up the work Ambassador Khalilzad and so many others have carried so far."
Neumann served in the Army in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star. He has served as ambassador to Algeria and Bahrain, and most recently in Baghdad with the Coalition Provisional Authority and with the U.S. Embassy there.

He said the recent bombings in Egypt and England highlight the importance of international cooperation and "staying the course" against terrorism. Success in Afghanistan, he said, will ensure the country will never again be a safe haven for terrorists. "It is pivotal to our overall success in the global struggle with terrorism," he added.

Neumann will take office as President Hamid Karzai's government holds parliamentary and provincial elections in September. "Nearly 6,000 candidates are running in this September's parliamentary election, among which 10 percent are women," he said. "The country has adopted one of the most enlightened constitutions in the Islamic world - an amazing accomplishment, given that the Taliban ruled Afghanistan just four years ago with an Islamic absolutism that denied fundamental human rights, particularly to women."

Neumann ticked off the signs of progress in Afghanistan. He said warlords are disbanding militias and the militiamen are turning in their weapons. Militarily outmatched Taliban and al Qaeda remnants are attacking "soft targets" in hopes of ruining the September elections.
With 24,000 soldiers, the Afghan National Army has won acceptance from Afghans for its fight against insurgents and tribal factions. NATO's command of the International Security Assistance Force has steadily expanded. If all moves forward as planned, NATO will have responsibility for all of Afghanistan in 2006. Reconstruction efforts are helping to rebuild a country torn apart by decades of war and poverty.

"But while significant challenges remain, especially in fighting narcotics, establishing the rule of law and enhancing security, I'm optimistic about the future of Afghanistan," he said.

The ambassador said he looks forward to working with Army Lt. Gen. Karl Eikenberry, the commander of Combined Forces Command Afghanistan. "I am humbled to be able to work with American men and women, both in and out of uniform, in bringing freedom and stability to the Afghan people," he said. "I pledge that I will do all in my power to keep the people in my charge safe, their morale high, and ensure that they receive all the support they deserve."

Heavy Taliban Losses Affect Recruiting, Possibly Tactics, General Says

2005-07-26T14:20:00.000-07:00

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 26, 2005 - Taliban members who face off against coalition forces or the Afghan National Army are facing heavy losses, so they've resorted to recruiting young teens to join the fight, the Joint Staff's operations director told Pentagon reporters today.

Marine Lt. Gen. James Conway spoke following a July 25 incident that involved heavy fighting in a small village west of Deh Rawod in Afghanistan's Oruzgan province. The incident, which left one U.S. soldier and an Afghan National Army soldier dead, took a considerable toll on the enemy, the general said. Some press reports claim as many as 50 insurgents were killed, he said.

"My observation, tracking this day in and day out, is that virtually every time the Taliban come up against our regular forces or those of the Afghan National Army, they are losing pretty badly," Conway told reporters.

These continual losses are likely to affect the way these enemy forces operate, he said.
"What we suspect, over time, is that they are going to be driven to the standoff tactics that we see being employed in Iraq," Conway said, "because they can't sustain those kinds of losses and continue to remain viable."

The coalition has received reports that the Taliban is attempting to recruit 14- to 16-year-olds to their cause because "older and wiser" Afghans simply are "not buying into their rhetoric," Conway said.

Army Brig. Gen. Jack Sterling, deputy commanding general for Combined Joint Task force76, expressed condolences over the U.S. servicemember killed during the Deh Rawod incident in a July 25 Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news release.

"Our brave servicemember died while fighting alongside Afghan forces to eliminate the threat of terrorism to the world and to bring a brighter future of Afghanistan," Sterling said. "This tragic loss strengthens our resolve to further the advance of a democratic Afghanistan."

Officials Meet With Afghans to Address Protesters' Concerns

2005-07-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 26, 2005 - Afghan police and U.S. military leaders were scheduled to meet with local leaders today to address the concerns of several hundred Afghans who gathered outside the gate of the U.S. base at Bagram Airfield to protest a July 25 military operation by Afghan and U.S. forces.

The operation, which led to the arrest of eight individuals suspected of planning and conducting attacks against U.S. and Afghan forces, was conducted against a single compound near the base, officials said.

The military reported those detained had materials used to make improvised explosive devices in their possession, and are thought to be planning future attacks against coalition forces. Military officials also said Afghan and U.S. forces attempted to contact local leaders to involve them in the operation, but were unable to do so.

Afghan police and intelligence services were involved in the operation's planning and execution, officials noted. There were no reports of injuries or death as a result of the operation or protest, they said.

American Forces Press Service

Detainee Releases 'Strengthening Peace'; Afghan Air Control Center Opens

2005-07-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2005 - Twenty more detainees were released from coalition detention facilities today as part of the Afghan government's "Takhim-e-Solh" or "Strengthening Peace" program.Takhim-e-Solh, officials said, is designed to foster peace and reconciliation throughout Afghanistan. The program gives detainees the opportunity to renounce violence and participate peacefully in Afghan civic life.

The detainees reportedly were given a medical examination and their personal effects, and then transferred from coalition custody to the government of Afghanistan.

They subsequently were transported to the program's office in Kabul. There, they were registered into the Takhim-e-Solh program and permitted to return home under the supervision of tribal elders, officials said.According to coalition officials, 199 detainees have agreed to participate in the "Strengthening Peace" program. The first 57 detainees were released on July 2; another 76 were released on July 9. The remaining 46 detainees will be released in the near future, officials say.

Elsewhere in Afghanistan, two civilians working at the Kandahar Airfield were wounded on July 11 in a nearby rocket attack. The two civilians were treated at the base's hospital and transported to Germany for additional treatment. They are in stable condition, officials said.

The attack reportedly occurred around 4:00 a.m., with the launch of four rockets. American forces searched the area from which they believe the rockets were launched; however, they were unable to find the attackers, officials said.

The two injured civilian workers were employed by Kellogg, Brown and Root, an American firm that provides logistics support to U.S. forces stationed overseas.In other news from Afghanistan, government officials celebrated the official opening of the Kabul Air Control Center on July 12.

The facility will help advance indigenous trade and development and thereby help strengthen the under-performing Afghan economy, officials said. "This achievement offers significant potential for the people of Afghanistan," U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Allen G. Peck, deputy commander of U.S. Central Command's Combined Forces Air Component, said.

Peck said Kabul's new Air Control Center will help Afghans "revitalize their military and commercial infrastructure in the 21st century (and thereby) reap the benefits of today's globalized world trade.

"The Kabul ACC took control of high-altitude commercial and cargo air flights on May 15; the center began handling similar low-level flights on July 11. By July 15, officials said, the ACC had handled more than 10,000 high-altitude and 500 low-altitude flights.

Each flight, they noted, generates hundreds of dollars of revenue for the government of Afghanistan. This money is used to improve infrastructure, build landing routes, and develop a modern air-traffic-control system.

The July 12 ceremony also marked the advent of a new Instrument Landing System at Kabul International Airport. The ILS allows aircraft to land in all types of dangerous and inclement weather, including snow, fog and ice.

"The coalition is committed to support this achievement and will work to ensure the speedy and effective transfer of airspace control to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," Peck said.

American Forces Press Service

Afghanistan Unit Takes on New Mission, Name

2005-07-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 13, 2005 - The Office of Military Cooperation Afghanistan was focused on the task of rebuilding the Afghan National Army for its three years of existence.
In a ceremony at Camp Eggers on July 12, that focus was expanded as that office changed its name to the Office of Security Cooperation Afghanistan and officially assumed responsibility for the U.S. role in reforming the Afghan National Police force.

The new organization's responsibilities encompass the entire Afghan security sector, providing U.S. support to the German-led Afghan National Police Reform program in addition to its ongoing mission of reforming the ANA.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Karl W. Eikenberry, head of Combined Forces Command Afghanistan, OSCA's parent unit, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John T. Brennan, chief of OSCA, presided over the ceremony that included the presentation of a new OSCA guidon.

"Today's ceremony and the creation of the Office of Security Cooperation Afghanistan mark the commitment of the United States to this program, and to the continued development of a safe, secure and prosperous Afghanistan," said Eikenberry, who served as chief of OMCA in 2002 and 2003.

Also attending were guests from the governments of the United States, Afghanistan and numerous coalition nations. Among them were U.S. Charge d'Affairs Maureen Quinn, Afghan Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Wardak and Afghan Interior Minister Ali Ahmad Jalali. Ambassador Rudolf Schmidt, the German special representative for Afghan Security Sector Reform, represented the police reform program's lead nation at the ceremony.

Under the guidance of OMCA, the ANA steadily increased in capability, professionalism and size, reaching a current strength of more than 24,300 trained and equipped soldiers, with another 6,000 in training.

The old office's accomplishments with ANA reform made the unit a perfect choice to take on the U.S. role for ANP reform. "The level of effort exerted on the ANA and the success of the program have earned us the honor of working with the Germans, the international community and the Afghan Ministry of the Interior in trying to produce those same results with the Afghan National Police program," said Brennan, OMCA's chief since February.

British Army Col. Mark van der Lande, Brennan's chief of staff, added that OSCA brings "the experience of institutional reform from its work in rebuilding the Afghan defense sector. Lessons learned from that experience will be applied to support the police program."

Addressing the ceremony attendees, Quinn stressed the importance of expanded role of the new OSCA. "This command is crucial to the future success of Afghanistan," she said. "The Afghanistan reconstruction effort and transfer to democracy is inextricably linked to security. Our ability to further develop the ANA's capabilities, combined with an accelerated program to train an effective, reliable police force, will have a direct impact on democracy and reconstruction in Afghanistan."

Jalali noted that the ceremony marked a renewed emphasis and greater commitment by the international community to the reform of the Afghan police.

"With Germany as the lead nation and the substantial commitment of the United States in both personnel and resources, we will be able to accelerate our efforts to provide the people of Afghanistan a stable rule of law," he said.

Before the redesignation ceremony, Wardak's Defense Ministry received OMCA's full attention as it focused on rebuilding the Afghan National Army. Wardak, however, is confident that OSCA's expanded role with the Afghan National Police will complement the ANA's development and lead to a better future for the people of Afghanistan.

"OSCA is committing itself to a new responsibility, a new job, but with the same final objectives and a much better prospect of achieving them," said Wardak. "Today we are marking a new phase -- a stepping stone toward expediting the process of peace, security, stability and the rule of law for Afghanistan."

Coalition Troops Work to Help Kabul Residents

2005-07-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 12, 2005 - Students at Lamashaheed School here attend classes in conditions that make learning difficult and can even endanger their health. But still, the teachers continue to instruct, and the children eagerly attend class.

The U.S. military and the United Kingdom's 2nd Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles, have been working to supply schools and hospitals in Kabul with essential supplies and material support. U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Hendrick Felix and his staff of soldiers, airmen and seamen keep an inventory of prayer rugs, Korans, children's clothes, sugar, tea, beans, rice, stoves, hygiene kits and school supplies.

The troops support 13 schools, seven kindergartens and as many local hospitals as their supplies allow.

British Army Capt. Daniel Lama, the Gurkha 2nd Battalion's civil assistance representative, said the most important items given to students are pens, pencils and notebooks. "This is because at the schools these items are not issued and are, in relative terms, expensive. Colored pencils or crayons are also fantastic and help add some color into their young lives," Lama said.

Helping supply everyday items is one part of the coalition's effort to return life to normal in Afghanistan. "This program is part of the Commanders Emergency Response Program," Felix said.

For Felix and his crew, going to Kabul recently to distribute supplies was special. "It was the first time I helped issue the (civic aid) supplies we stock to Afghans," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Omar Avila, an El Paso native and a Navy storekeeper. "It felt great actually giving it to them. The crowded classrooms and the conditions in the hospital surprised us."

Lamashaheed, which is named after one of the school's teachers who was shot and killed in her classroom during the war, is one of the schools receiving assistance. It was built to accommodate some 2,000 students, but currently has more than 6,300. Corridors and stairwells are used as makeshift classrooms, and tents are used for the overflow.

"My first impression was they really need a place to facilitate the classes," Felix said. "They need at least a fan to circulate the air to just be out in the tents.

"The children and teachers just bear it and withstand the heat," he said. "That's sheer determination."

Tent classrooms have dirt floors, and those inside are at the mercy of the environment. In summer, temperatures in the tents can rocket to more than 120 degrees. Many children experience health problems from the heat: nosebleeds, headaches, nausea, dehydration and heat stroke. Every tent has jugs of water, and the teachers try to ensure their students take frequent water breaks to stave off heat injuries.

"The heat is unbearable sometimes," said Rahima, a teacher at Lamashaheed. "My big wish is to get rid of the tents and get proper classrooms."

Hospitals in the community also welcome the assistance brought by the civic-aid partnership. Many medical services, such as CT scans, and liver function tests and other blood work, are not readily available here.

"Working with the hospitals, we support the weakest members of society," Lama said. "And working with schools we support the future of the country. This has important force-protection spinoffs as the military is then seen as a force for good in an additional role from that of a security provider."

Maiwand Hospital's director, Dr. M. Gul, said his main request was for some way for his staff to liaison with coalition or International Security Assistance Force medical facilities so better diagnoses can be made and treatments prescribed.

"The hospitals aren't really hospitals, they are more like just a building with beds," said Felix. "(The doctors') highest form of medical technology is their minds and their hands. If they had the technology we have, they could better treat their patients. But they lack that technology, and they lose people every day."

Lama said the most upsetting thing he sees during his distribution of aid is "the seriously ill children in the intensive care ward of Maiwand Hospital. Many of these children have little or no hope of survival because the doctors lack the basic equipment and drugs to diagnose and then treat them."

When asked about his partnership with U.S. forces, Lama said, "I think it would be fair to say that the U.S. and U.K. forces have a close working relationship and this is recognized around the world. The United Kingdom and United States are both committed and totally dedicated to the stability and reconstruction of Afghanistan. This enables the mutual crossover of support to occur. And the development of joint aid projects is, therefore, yet another example of this fruitful relationship."

By Sgt. Matthew MacRoberts, USA Special to American Forces Press Service

Afghan Army Logisticians to Visit U.S.

2005-07-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 11, 2005 - Senior members of the Afghan National Army's Logistics Command will travel to the United States this week to visit Army Materiel Command headquarters at Fort Belvoir, Va., and other military logistics depots and supply centers.

Gen. Shah Aqa Haidari, the ANA General Staff's director of logistics materiel readiness; Col. Mohammad Ewaz Esar, commander of the ANA's Central Supply Depot; and Lt. Col. Mohammad Ibrahim, secretary to the General Staff, will first visit a logistics depot in Philadelphia on the way to their scheduled Fort Belvoir visit July 15. They will also travel to Washington July 16-17 to visit the Afghan Embassy and the Pentagon.

"I hope to learn from the U.S. Army leaders," Ibrahim said. "The experience will help me to learn more for my country and will help the people of Afghanistan too. It will be a good trip."He said this is his first trip to the United States. "I am very happy to go to the United States, and my family is excited for me as well," he said.

Escorting the Afghan delegation will be U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Theodore Walker, a logistics plans maintenance officer from the Office of Military Cooperation Afghanistan's Defense Resource Sector directorate. He said the trip will strengthen the logistics capabilities of the Afghan military. "It is a great experience for them to see how the U.S. Army manages resources," Walker said.

The ANA Logistics Command provides national-level logistics support to the Ministry of Defense and other ministries. It serves as the national provider of supplies, maintenance and strategic transportation for the ANA. When the ANA officers return to Afghanistan, they will work to apply their experiences to improve the management of the ANA's Logistics Command.

By Sgt. Lynnette M. Jefferson, USA Special to American Forces Press Service

More U.S. Forces Headed to Afghanistan

2005-07-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2005 - An Army airborne infantry battalion is preparing to deploy to Afghanistan to provide more flexibility in the fight against terrorism and to support the National Assembly and Provincial Council elections, U.S. officials in Afghanistan said.

About 700 members of 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, are expected to deploy from Fort Bragg, N.C., within two weeks. The unit returned from Iraq in March after deploying there in December to provide security for the January elections in that country. "The Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and coalition forces, along with this additional airborne battalion, will provide greater flexibility to continue offensive operations and enhance security during the election period," said Brig. Gen. Jack Sterling, deputy commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force 76. "We want to provide Afghanistan with an environment for democracy to flourish. It is our goal to allow security that promotes participation in the election process."

Elections for Afghanistan's National Assembly and provincial councils are scheduled for Sept. 18.

In other developments, the Office of Military Cooperation Afghanistan will officially change its designation to the Office of Security Cooperation Afghanistan July 12 at Camp Eggers. The redesignation is due to the command's assumption of the U.S. government's role in Afghan security-sector reform. This will include support to the lead nation, Germany, in the reform of the Afghan National Police, in addition to the unit's current Afghan National Army reform mission.

American Forces Press Service