IEDs reinforce Nangarhar community’s resolve

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – One U.S. military unit finds that supporting Afghan community efforts can help provide security and stimulate the local economy. 

Recently, a 1st Squadron, 108th Cavalry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team convoy approached a stretch of road being repaired by a group of Afghans. 

The local men were hired as part of a U.S. civil military project designed to create Afghan jobs and offer military age men a paying alternative to joining the insurgency.  But, as members of the 1-108 “Roughriders” have come to learn, such initiatives, in addition to bolstering the economy have also lead to increased cooperation and security.

As the Americans reached the project they were flagged down by one of the workers.  The road crew had uncovered a buried improvised explosive device.  According to U.S. military leaders and Afghan Security Force officials, the increased presence of the local Afghan people on the roads has lead to an overall increase in the number of IED’s found. 

The Dih Bala district Police Chief, Lt. Col. Abdul-Muquim, says since the roadwork began the discovery of these devices have become more common.

“We live a simple life and want what is best for our people,” Muqim said. “These experiences teach us to work together to ensure our own safety.”

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Randall V. Simmons, squadron commander, works with Muquim to bring together the joint Coalition/Afghan forces, Georgia’s Air Guard Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, and the Task Force Paladin 764^th Explosive Ordnance Team to begin coordinating and hiring more local Afghans.

“We are always looking to give ownership for security of the district and the communities back to the citizens,” said Simmons.