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Afghan National Army (ANA) commandos, along with Afghan National Army Special Forces (ANASF), leave Musa Khel village after a successful mission, June 22. Uniting the commandos and the ANASF for this mission helped free villagers from insurgents. (Photo courtesty of ISAF) |
WARDAK PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Living in fear every day is not an ideal life for anyone, especially for those who want peace.
Afghan National Army commandos assisted the Afghan National Army Special Forces by aiding in the removal of the insurgent threat in Musa Khel village, June 22.
These military units came together for one common goal; to minimize the threat within the villages and create a safe environment for the locals.
"To gain support (of the villagers) they have to remove the intimidation of the Taliban,” said a coalition adviser.
By creating greater "white space,” or an area free of an insurgents, the villages in Wardak province can take the next step in rebuilding a safe environment for their families.
"We (all Afghan military forces and law enforcement) are all trying to do something the people will like,” said the commander of the Afghan National Army's 3rd Company, 6th Commando Kandak. "This is why the people (the locals) should be friendly with us and try to help us; so we can make our country more peaceful.”
Increasing the "white space” also aids in the expansion of the internal security force and helps protect the villages from possible insurgent attacks.
"Ninety percent of the villagers are permanent residents wanting peace,” said the coalition adviser. "They are tired of 30 years of war or tyranny by the Taliban, but they won't take action (to stand up their own Afghan Local Police) until the threat is removed.”
The only way for the villages to remain insurgent-free is to take a stand against the terrorists by establishing an Afghan Local Police (ALP) program. Unity from all avenues is imperative because it takes not only the military to create safety, but also those civilians within the village looking for a new way of life.
"They (the Taliban) should come join us and we can help our country together,” said the commander. "The only thing I want from my people is to live together in peace.”
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