> Take control in northern Helmand

UK-led operation helps ISAF take control in northern Helmand

31 May 07

British troops deployed as part of NATO's International Security Assistance Force, and working alongside Afghan National Security Forces, are taking part in a major operation aimed at extending the control of the Afghan Government into northern Helmand Province.

Around 1000 British troops are taking part in Operation Lastay Kulang
[Picture: Corporal Adrian Harlen RLC]

Despite the loss of an ISAF helicopter and the deaths of a number of coalition troops the UK-led operation, codenamed Lastay Kulang, continues as Taliban extremists are forced to loosen their grip on communities within the Upper Sangin Valley.

This UK-led operation, which takes its name from the Pashto word for pickaxe-handle, is being conducted at the request of the Afghan Government. It builds on the achievements of previous operations in the Sangin Valley, including the recently completed Operation Achilles, which all involved support from Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).

At around 0400 hours local time on Wednesday 30 May 2007, ISAF and ANSF personnel advanced towards the village of Kajaki Sofle, 10 kilometres south-west of the town of Kajaki, to remove a Taliban force whose presence was a threat to the security and stability of the Lower Sangin Valley.

Operation Lastay Kulang began in the early hours of Wednesday 30 May 2007
[Picture: Corporal Adrian Harlen RLC]

Later that night elements of the US 82nd Airborne Division, the reserve element for Regional Command South, conducted an air assault on Taliban positions to the south of Kajaki Sofja. Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Mayo, spokesman for Task Force Helmand, explained:

"This is certainly not a major fresh offensive but a continuation of the progress made by NATO's Operation Achilles launched in March. The continued presence of the Taliban in the Upper Sangin Valley was putting at risk all of the good work we have achieved in Sangin and Gereshk."

A total of 2000 ISAF and ANSF personnel are taking part in the operation, 1000 of those being drawn from British forces, namely the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment and elements of the 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards, who are providing operational mentoring to Afghan National Army troops. The Helmand Task Force also involves troops from Denmark and Estonia supported by elements of the American 82nd Airborne Division.

The terrain in Helmand Province is rugged
[Picture: Corporal Adrian Harlen RLC]

The UK-led Task Force Helmand has carried out a number of recent operations in the province. Last month's Operation Silver removed the Taliban influence from the town of Sangin. Two weeks ago Operation Silicon was launched to allow the Afghan authorities to take control of the town of Gereshk and much of the surrounding countryside.

This also enabled military engineers to build ANA bases in the towns providing much-needed security for local people and allowing the Afghan Government to start rebuilding the area.

"By extending the authority of the Afghan Government and removing Taliban forces this operation will provide the security conditions for the redevelopment of the Upper Sangin Valley and further enhance Government influence across Northern Helmand," Lt Col Mayo continued.

British troops have been working alongside Afghan National Security Forces
[Picture: Corporal Adrian Harlen RLC]

"There is now a permanent ANA presence in the town of Sangin and the Sangin Valley which has allowed the Governor of Helmand to install a local governor in Sangin. This has enabled Shuras, or tribal meetings, to be held to discuss the future and any reconstruction needs of the community with the tribal elders and ISAF officials.

"The tragic loss of our ISAF comrades last night and the death of Corporal Bonner on Monday will not sway us from our mission. Everyone in ISAF is committed to seeing greater governance being brought to Afghanistan and making the country a safe and stable nation for all. The thoughts and prayers of all of Task Force Helmand goes out to the friends and families of the bereaved."