Afghan election violence less than expected in Logar province

LOGAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

08.20.2009

Story by Spc. Melissa Stewart 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan — For only the second time in their history, the people of Afghanistan participated freely in a democratic election process, Aug. 20.

Afghan national security forces successfully secured approximately 6,500 polling sites across the country with 69 polling sites in Logar province.

"We take voting for granted in the states," said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Dan Jendrich, Personal Security Detail platoon leader with 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division. "I think it is a good thing to have in this country. I like seeing how many people are out there, taking ownership for their country and security so people can come out and vote."

ANSF took the lead in securing and maintaining safety at the polling sites, International Security Assistance Forces, including Soldiers from Task Force Spartan were circling the outlining areas of the polling sites throughout Logar province.

"Our job was to provide outer security as the Afghan people moved to the voting poles," said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Derek Smith, 118th Military Police Company. "It looked like there was a good turnout, and ANP were doing a good job interacting with the locals."

ISAF was geared for possible violence and, although American troops provided merely an outer cordon of security, forces were ready to step in and provide sound back up if enemy voter opposition became too volatile for ANSF to handle.

"I think what the enemy has been trying to do in the last couple of days is harass the people in order to intimidate them and get them not to vote," U.S. Army Lt. Col. George Pitt, commander, 3rd BSTB, said to a group of Afghans who had just finished casting their ballots. "It is a testament to all of you coming out and actually standing up to the enemy."

"I want to help my country, I want to choose my president because we want a good Afghanistan," said Farha Dullah, a local voter.

The locals were so dedicated to electing their future leaders, locals with vehicles drove back and forth from polling sites so their neighbors had a chance to vote.

"In every country people have a right to vote and choose a president they want," said Afghan national police Maj. Abdul Mktin, who also voted. "This time there will be more changes."

There was an escalation of violence across Task Force Areas of Operations. Although few polling sites were attacked, ISAF troops weathered an increase of attacks during election day.

"Everybody was supportive and glad to have us there," said Jendrich "They have a complete understanding of what needs to happen, and a willingness to continue forward. It's good to help enable the people, but today they did this themselves."

• Date Taken: 08.20.2009
• Date Posted: 08.22.2009 04:48
• Story ID: 37825
• Location: LOGAR PROVINCE, AF