Constant Combat Operations by the ANDSF Strengthen the Security in Central Helmand

AFGHANISTAN

03.23.2018

Story by 1st Lt. Kathleen Kochert 

Resolute Support Headquarters

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan—The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces completed Operation Maiwand 11 and immediately commenced Operation Maiwand 12, keeping constant pressure on the enemy in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
The Afghan National Army 215th Corps, the 505th Zone Afghan National Police, and the National Directorate of Security began Operation Maiwand 12, March 8, 2018, in Marjah and Nad ‘Ali.
“They [the Taliban] can’t fight anymore,” said Maj Taj Mohammad Begharaz, the tactical operations officer. “It is because we conduct a lot of operations in every part of Helmand and we have our foreign friends beside us.”
Service members with Task Force Southwest have recently expanded their train, advise, and assist capacity to persistently advise down to the kandak, or battalion level. TFSW currently has five TAA nodes throughout Helmand province where service members are closer to the frontlines to better support their Afghan partners during Operation Maiwand 12.
“The ANDSF remain offensively-minded across central Helmand,” said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general of TFSW. “The enemy continues to largely avoid engaging in direct fire fights because they know they can’t face the ANDSF head-on.”
The persistent advising efforts down to the lowest levels in concert with the ANDSF’s bias for action and use of their own organic assets help to continue to expand the security belt around central Helmand.
“When we secure the area, the local people will be able to have a safe and secure life,” said Begharaz. “This is really important to the local people. We will bring good security and after that the people will be able to have a good life.”

• Date Taken: 03.23.2018
• Date Posted: 03.23.2018 07:10
• Story ID: 270378
• Location: AF