Afghan Uniformed Police continue to excel

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan (15MAR2010) – The Afghan Uniformed Police discovered two improvised explosive devices in Paktika province, Afghanistan, while conducting security patrols, March 14. 

The first IED was found in the Omna district and was secured and destroyed in place. 

“My officers are committed to ensuring the safety of the people and the environment they live in,” said Police Chief Manaki, the Omna district police chief.

The second IED was a pressure plate device, discovered in the Mata Khan district.

The AUP secured the area for several hours to protect the population, until an Explosive Ordinance Disposal detachment arrived to destroy it.  

In Mata Khan, the AUP work closely with the Soldiers of Company A, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.  

Manaki said the partnership between the two units increases each unit’s ability to operate and secure the population of the Paktika province.  

This is the fifth time in the past two weeks that the AUP has taken the lead in operations to rid Paktika province of weapons and explosives that pose a danger to its citizens.  

“In Paktika province, the AUP are continuing to show their own people that they can provide safety and security,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. James Ferguson, Co A., 3rd Bn., 187th Inf. Regt.

Ferguson said there is no limit to how much the AUP will improve, because the Sharana district police of Paktika province were recently awarded additional funding and training from International Security Assistance Forces.