KAPISA, Afghanistan – French Task Force La Fayette organized a shura with the Afghan Local Police chiefs of Nijrab and Tagab districts, on Forward Operating Base Nijrab, Aug. 27, 2012.

It was chaired by Brig. Gen. Eric Hautecloque-Raysz, Task Force La Fayette commander and co-chaired by Afghan Gen. Samiullah, commander of the Afghan National Police.

The shura gathering French Task Force La Fayette and the Afghan National Security Forces are held on a bi-monthly rhythm in the presence of local civil authorities. These assemblies help to coordinate the operations between ANSF and TFLF and ensure cooperation among the ANSF.

Composed of civilian volunteers to ensure the safety of their village, the Afghan Local Police is the first level of security in Afghanistan and plays an essential role in the valleys. Working with the Afghan security forces and the coalition, these units of local self-defense, in daily contact with the villages and their residents, achieve significant results and are considerably troublesome to the insurgents.

French Task Force La Fayette worked for over three years alongside the ALP so they are able to return to their responsibility for the security of the Afghan population and to lead many actions on their behalf: training, recruitment support, support, supply of military equipment, provision of first aid kits, work carried out in the villages (well, anti-flood walls, etc) and checkpoints.

This shura was an opportunity to provide again to the ALP chiefs the support from the French forces until the end of the commitment of Task Force La Fayette. During the French mandates, coordination between the ALP, the ANP and the Afghan National Army (ANA) has increased; Afghan soldiers and policemen carry out their actions in perfect unison.