Afghan and coalition forces celebrate Eid al Fitr with Afghan children

BADGHIS, AFGHANISTAN

09.13.2010

Story by 2nd Lt. Neil Samson 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

BADGHIS, Afghanistan — An Afghan-led team participated in a celebration with children in Badghis province, Sept. 10.

The celebration signified the first day of Eid al Fitr, and allowed Afghan forces an opportunity to provide copious amounts of candy to children in the Darrah-I-Bum district after parents allowed their kids to approach the team.

“Eid” refers to festivity and “Fitr” to breaking the fast. Eid al Fitr is a three-day period signifying the end of Ramadan, which lasted this year from Aug. 11 to Sept. 9. It is forbidden to fast on Eid al Fitr, and it is also advised that Muslims eat a small breakfast consisting of a sweet dish prior to their morning prayer, “Salah,” during the three days.

“This collective celebration is an indication that the local Afghan’s are confident the Government of Afghanistan, through the Afghan National Security Forces, can provide security and regional and economic stability,” said 1st Lt. Neil Samson, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan. “The willingness of the people of Darrah-I-Bum to engage with Afghan and Coalition forces is a sign of progress towards meeting counterinsurgency goals.”

• Date Taken: 09.13.2010
• Date Posted: 09.13.2010 11:03
• Story ID: 56203
• Location: BADGHIS, AF