ANA assumes lead at Alasay

KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan—In the heart of Alasay Valley, here in eastern Afghanistan, Afghan Soldiers have assumed security efforts at the combat outpost that bares the same name.

Since the Feb. 2 transfer of COP Alasay to the Afghan National Army, French troops, partnered with 1st Kandak, 3rd ANA Brigade, have continued to move equipment and material from this strategic outpost. This is the second such transfer in the valley since September 2011.

The progression of the 1st Kandak Soldiers allowed for a reorganization of French forces, as the ANA continues to lead partnered and unilateral operations.

Beginning with operation Valley Flood last January, Task Force Lafayette positioned a platoon of French advisors to the outpost to support ANA operations in Kapisa province. This platoon transferred COP Alasay to GIRoA forces.

Constructed in March 2009, COP Alasay stood as coalition and Afghan forces conducted multiple operations in the valley to repel insurgent safe havens and serve as a center for Afghan army consolidation.

In March 2009, Operation Dinner Out was the first major operation planned by the ANA in Kapisa. This allowed for the building of COP Shekut and Alasay.

Operation Sunny Days, in April 2009, allowed the construction of and additional combat outpost on the valley’s floor.  Baptized COP Belda, in memory of a French corporal from the 27th Mountain Infantry Battalion killed during Operation Dinner Out, the outpost was occupied by an ANA company and French military advisors.