HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan Local Police responded to an insurgent-lead attack that injured two young boys in Mirmandab village, Nar-e Saraj district, March 9.
A small group of approximately 10 insurgents began the attack by launching grenades and spraying the village with undisciplined small-arms fires. A local man, Hamadulla, 27, was tending his field with his two nephews Husain, 12, and Nakleed, 9. He called for the boys to run to him when the attack began. After taking a few steps, a grenade exploded where the boys had been working; both suffered shrapnel wounds.
The ALP responded quickly to the threat, forcing the insurgents to flee the area.
Hamadulla sought treatment for the injured youth at the local clinic in Mirmandab bazaar, but it was closed for the day.
The village ALP escorted the boys, with their uncle, to a nearby coalition Special Operations Forces base where Afghan and coalition medics provided immediate assistance. Husain was treated for a laceration on his back and Nakleed was treated for a wound on his right arm. Fortunately, neither injury was life-threatening.
“This most recent act of terrorism on the village of Mirmandab clearly demonstrates the insurgents’ blatant disregard for the Afghan people and their safety,” said Maj. Michael Smith, spokesman for Special Operations Task Force-West. “The ALP and [Afghan National Army] in Mirnandab having been working extremely well together and their diligence to keep their district safe from the insurgency is commendable.”
ANA soldiers, along with ALP and village elders in Mirmandab, have been meeting regularly over the last six months to address security and governance issues. This collaborative effort has recently led to the discovery and destruction of several insurgent-placed bombs and disrupted several attacks.
According to recent reports by district leaders in Helmand province, insurgent forces in the northern districts are struggling to control areas where they previously met little resistance. They are concerned that the increase in the number of ALP will further degrade insurgent efforts throughout the province.
The ALP and ANA, assisted by coalition SOF, are resolved to continue protecting local communities in the Helmand province from insurgent attempts to gain ground through violence, fear and intimidation of the Afghan people.
| Date Taken: |
03.11.2012 |
| Date Posted: |
03.11.2012 01:28 |
| Story ID: |
85051 |
| Location: |
AF |
| Web Views: |
132 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
Subscribe
