3-187 conducts air assault into Atah Khel

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan Uniformed Police combined with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division conducted an air-assault operation into Atah Khel village in eastern Afghanistan’s Paktika province, May 19.

The air assault operation was conducted according to plan, said U.S. Army Capt. Joshua Powers, from Atlanta Ga., commander of Co A.
 
As the village search was conducted, two unregistered motorcycles were found sitting outside a mosque.  The AUP conducted a more thorough search of the mosque and the surrounding area, where they found several Rocket Propelled Grenade rounds, an RPG launcher, binoculars, handheld radios and a wig.  

A suspected insurgent was seen fleeing the area and was quickly detained by the AUP.  

AUP and Co. A commanders conducted key leader engagements with the people of Atah Khel following the operation.  

“The decisive point of the operation was the people, and we achieved success by talking to the people about the future of the village,” Powers said.

The opportunity was taken to talk to the village elders about why it was necessary to conduct the search.

Task Force Iron places a key emphasis on conducting engagements with the local populace following every operation.  

“Our Soldiers try to talk about the future of Afghanistan where ever we go,” said Lt. Col. David Fivecoat, from Fort Campbell, Ky., 3-187th commander. “This was a great opportunity for our Soldiers to talk to these village leaders about the government of Afghanistan representing their best opportunity for a better future.”