> Success of Sangin operation allows troops to engage with Afghan locals

defence news

6th June 2007

Gaining the support of the local population is critical to success in southern Afghanistan, according to the British Commander there, and with the success of the latest operation in the Sangin Valley, gaining that support is exactly what the troops are now doing.

Brigadier Lorimer, commander of Task Force Helmand (right) with Brigadier General Muhayadin Ghori, the commander of the Afghan Army's 3/205 Brigade
[Picture: Cpl Jon Bevan RLC]

Operation Lastay Kulang, which began on 30 May 2007 has seen British and Afghan troops clearing the Sangin Valley of the main pockets of Taliban resistance.

The UK led operation is being jointly conducted by the Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and by creating a stable environment, the troops can now begin to engage with the locals and find out what they need.

In a media interview yesterday, Sunday 3 June 2007, the British Commander of Task Force Helmand, Brigadier John Lorimer, spoke about the progress of the operation so far:

"To date the operation has been successful," he said. "We have managed to clear the areas that we wished to clear and we also have now engaged with the local nationals, with the tribal elders, and we're helping bring reconstruction and development. For instance, we are building and rebuilding irrigation ditches in the area.

"The important thing is that we have gone into the area of the Sangin Valley into what's known as the Green Zone. We've cleared the area of the main pockets of Taliban resistance and we're now into the critical phase of talking to the locals, speaking with the tribal leaders, finding out what their needs are and, most importantly, we're showing them the importance of supporting the government of Afghanistan because that's what it's all about.

"Afghanistan is a complicated operation and environment. It's hot, the conditions are pretty difficult and naturally, after the winter break, the Taliban have increased in numbers. But what's important is that NATO and Task Force Helmand, which I command, are very much on the front and taking the fight to the enemy."

Local tribal leaders oversee work being carried out by British Royal Engineer's to increase water flow to 5000 people in the upper Sangin Valley, part of Operation Lastay Kulang
[Picture: Corporal Adrian Harlen RLC]

Brigadier Lorimer believes the hard work being done now by British troops in dealing with the Taliban will pay dividends down the line:

"When we close with the enemy, with the Taliban, we beat them. But the critical part, as I said before, is what happens after that. It's the reconstruction and development, which we are taking forward with colleagues from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development on behalf of the government of Afghanistan. Also we're making sure that the government of Afghanistan get their representatives out on the ground to engage with the locals.

"The support of the local population is critical and there are areas within Helmand Province which are very supportive of the government of Afghanistan. There are other areas which have seen little tangible effect of the government and that's where we need to go. We need to make sure that we can clear the Taliban from those areas so that the government can extend its influence and authority into those areas to help the local people.

"It's a tough job out here. We always knew it was going to be tough. It's not just the environment, we're fighting a pretty cunning and determined enemy, but the morale of the soldiers with Task Force Helmand is very high. We've got an important job to do, we've got a mission that we believe in and the soldiers out on the ground are getting on with the job in hand."

The new British ambassador to Afghanistan, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, at the new Afghan National Army barracks at Camp Sharabak, Helmand Province
[Picture: Cpl Jon Bevan RLC]

Brigadier Lorimer also met the new British ambassador to Afghanistan, Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles, on a visit to the new Afghan National Army (ANA) barracks at Camp Sharabak, Helmand Province.

They were welcomed at Camp Sharabak by Lieutenant Colonel AGC Hatherley, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, who are currently Task Force Helmand's Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (OMLT) Battlegroup, training, working and fighting alongside the ANA.

Sir Sherard met soldiers from the OMLT who had recently been in action with the 2nd Kandak (battalion) of the ANA's 3/205 Brigade, also based at Camp Sharabak. Warrant Officer Class 2 Westlake of the Grenadier Guards said:

"The lads were out for four weeks and have a week back in camp before going out again. Its quite high tempo but we are all enjoying the challenge."

Despite such a short respite between operations WO2 Westlake explained that the OMLT troops were keen to return to the field with their ANA counterparts.

The new British Ambassador to Afghanistan arrives at Camp Sharabak
[Picture: Cpl Jon Bevan RLC]

After spending time with the 1st Bn Grenadier Guards Sir Sherard met with Brigadier General Muhayadin Ghori, the commander of 3/205 Brigade.

Sir Sherard arrived in Afghanistan on 17 May 2007. On becoming the new Ambassador he said:

"I am greatly honoured to be appointed as the new British Ambassador to Afghanistan. I am delighted to have started work. This is a job which matters, at a time which matters, in a country which matters, for the British Government and people, but also for all true friends of Afghanistan.

"Afghanistan is embarked on another stage of the long and difficult journey towards a better future, for all its people. There is a clear choice between war which destroys, and peace which builds. To the Afghan people, I say this is your country. This is your journey. Britain, like all your true friends around the world, will be at your side on that journey."