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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan- Marines from 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Kilo Company, and Afghan forces increased local Afghans freedom of movement with operations that focused on security in Marjah Feb 16-18.
During the operation coalition forces set up blocking positions so that 3rd Bn., 9th Marines, India Co., could set up a new patrol base in the area. Kilo Co. also conducted clearing operations and retrieved contraband from different compounds in their area of operations.
“We interdicted enemy forces that would come from the north to allow India Company to set up a new patrol base in the area,” said 2nd Lt. Edward Ferguson, 3rd Bn., 9th Marines, Kilo Co., the 1st platoon commander.
Ferguson also said that the operation was launched to counter any spring offensive the Taliban might be planning in the following weeks.
“The operation was important because spring is coming around so we know that the Taliban are going to be coming back,” said Lance Cpl. Curtis George, 3rd Bn., 9th Marines, Kilo Co., a team leader for 1st platoon.
The platoon commander said that during the operation they were able to communicate with local Afghans, which provided valuable feedback on their feelings about the operation.
“They are always happy to see that we put their forces out front. They know that we’re there to support them and not the other way around,” said Ferguson. “The long term goals are to let the local nationals know that we’re here to support their forces and keep the enemy from working in this area.”
| Date Taken: | 02.25.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.25.2011 09:31 |
| Story ID: | 66068 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 663 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Coalition forces, Afghans increase security presence in Marjah, by Cpl Mark Garcia, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
