Commandos work to bring security to Bala Baluk district

FARAH PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

02.27.2012

Story by Cpl. Kyle McNally 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan commandos from the 9th Commando Kandak, partnered with coalition special operations forces, conducted a two-day presence patrol in the village of Sar-e Takht, Bala Baluk district, Feb. 27.

During their visit, the commandos met with Sar-e Takht leaders to establish good relationships and discuss security and development issues as well as options for possible future assistance from the district governance to the local area.

According to a Sar-e Takht village elder, the commandos were helpful and concerned with the needs of the villagers, who were grateful for the commando visit and were eager to begin assisting the Afghan government.

The visit also allowed Sar-e Takht leaders the opportunity to voice their concerns about the safety of the local area. Insurgent activity has been detrimental for the Bala Baluk district, disrupting daily life and jeopardizing the economic development and security of the community.

Sar-e Takht is the northern-most village in the Zar Marden valley, which has been subjected to a hotbed of insurgent activity in recent years. Insurgent forces use the area to make bombs and plan attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. On a previous visit to Sar-e Takht, commandos were attacked by insurgents just outside the village when they came under erratic machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire.

“The commandos are leading the way in increasing security throughout the Farah and Herat provinces,” said Maj. Michael Smith, a spokesman for the Special Operations Task Force – West. “In a relatively short period of time, the 9th Commando Kandak has developed into an organization that can administer lethality to insurgent forces when necessary, but also portray a refined diplomatic presence to local Afghan communities.”

The 9th Commando Kandak and its coalition special operations forces partners are resolved to continue protecting local communities in the Farah province from insurgent attempts to gain ground through violence, fear and intimidation of the Afghan people.

• Date Taken: 02.27.2012
• Date Posted: 03.05.2012 04:24
• Story ID: 84728
• Location: FARAH PROVINCE, AF