ANSF take the reins in joint operation

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces led operation Jam Morad in Ghazni Province Sept. 11-12 aiming to seek out weapons caches and Taliban supporters in the area.

The operation, named after one of the four villages involved, was the result of intelligence gathered by ANSF and Coalition forces.

“The [Afghan National Army] and Coalition forces received intelligence that a lot of bad guys were camping out in this area,” said Army 1st Lt. Paul Lukehart, 3rd Platoon Leader, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.  “The ANA came up with the idea they should go through and clear out this area and got the Coalition to operate in support.”

Members of the 82nd Abn. Div. set perimeters around the villages while ANA and Afghan National Police secured the villages and searched the targeted areas.

“What we’re doing is acting as heavy guns and reinforcements; helping cordon off the area so the ANSF can search the areas of interest,” Lukehart said.

Lukehart said the missions allow Coalition forces to provide assistance when necessary, while giving ANSF valuable operational experience and the opportunity to build a rapport with the villagers.

“This is something that is important to our mission over here because it reinforces and helps to establish and legitimize the ANP and ANA,” said Army 1st Lt. Brian M. Kitching, 2nd Plt. Leader, Co. B, 2-508th PIR.  “The local populace needs to be able to build that trust.”

Kitching said it’s easy to gain trust when operations have results like Operation Jam Morad.

“We found 96 82mm mortar rounds, a couple of AK-47s, grenades, chest racks for personnel to carry magazines, at least five rocket propelled grenades and some underground complexes,” Kitching said.

Five people were detained during the operation and information was gathered on militant leaders.

“Jam Morad has historically been a Taliban stronghold; a place to fall back to where they had a storage of weapons,” Kitching said.  “ANSF questioned the detainees and the information gathered directly contributed to the mission’s success.”

With each mission, the ANA and ANP gain more experience as the main force in protecting their country from terrorist organizations.

“For the most part the ANA are very proactive,” said Lukehart.  “You see them out and about a lot doing operations and we try to integrate the ANSF into pretty much everything we do.”

Kitching said hard work by Coalition forces has brought the ANSF from a dream to a legitimate contributor to Afghanistan’s growth as a free society.

“Each operation gives the ANSF a little more experience so they can see what works and build on it,” Kitching said.  “It’s a slow process and a gradual process, but I definitely see an improvement in the way they plan and execute missions and control their forces.”
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