Combat Outpost Belda established in Alasay

Courtesy Photo | Marines of the 27th Alpine Mountain Battalion and French Task Force Tiger patrol the many valleys of Kapisa province.  

KAPISA PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

05.02.2009

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 101

KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - The Afghan, French and American militaries recently established Combat Outpost Belda in the Alasay District here at the entrance of Skent and Spee valleys.

The establishment of this outpost is symbolic of the multi-national militaries working in Kapisa, as well as for the Afghan people, according to Task Force Tiger and Afghan national army leaders because no previous military forces have ever controlled the area.

TF Tiger is proud of the outpost, because COP Belda is named in memory of a French specialist with the 27th Alpine Mountain Battalion who died in combat, on March 14.

Before recent operations, insurgents controlled the valley and denied any penetration to the east. However, for the people of Alasay, a permanent presence of an Afghan military base represents peace and security, according to TF Tiger leaders.

"We know insurgents are watching us work in this area," said French TF Tiger Operations officer Lt. Col. Paul Sanzey. "With our American and Afghan friends, we are determined not to let [the enemy] move freely in this valley."

• Date Taken: 05.02.2009
• Date Posted: 05.02.2009 02:38
• Story ID: 33116
• Location: KAPISA PROVINCE, AF