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CHARKH, Afghanistan - As the mountain infantrymen vigilantly patrolled the streets of Charkh’s bazaar Dec. 11, the sounds of the metal store gates slamming open and children laughing increased along with the positive outlook of the village’s security.
Task Force Storm Soldiers of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment along with Afghan National Security Forces are providing around-the-clock security to keep insurgent influence and forces out of the bazaar.
“The Taliban has told these people that if they open their shops while we are out here, they will be killed,” said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Cody S. McBroom, a platoon leader with Co B
After Taliban threatened shop owners, they closed their shops and vacated the streets.
“It’s been cold and uninviting until today,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Michael L. Zickefoose, a team leader assigned to Co. B and Warren, Ohio, native. “Today has been nice since the kids are out and the shops are open.”
Getting to this point with local Afghans has not been easy; patrols here have been attacked nearly every day.
“This is the first time we’ve come down here and not been hit,” said McBroom, a Spring, Texas, native. “It’s nice to see the locals around us and interacting with us.”
Along with being essential to the livelihoods of locals, the bazaar has another distinction.
“We consider the bazaar a … safe haven,” said Savannah, Ga., native U.S. Army Capt. David J. Simmons, the commander of Co. B. “The longer we are in the bazaar and show we aren’t leaving, the more comfortable people will be to come out and shop, but we have a long way to go.”
As the sun set on the remote Afghan village, the battle-hardened Soldiers of Charkh could feel a sense of accomplishment for exchanging the sound of gunfire for the laughter of children.
| Date Taken: | 12.16.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 12.16.2010 14:12 |
| Story ID: | 62117 |
| Location: | CHARKH, AF |
| Web Views: | 310 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, TF Storm Soldiers work to secure local economy, by SSG Cooper Cash, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
