Joint ANSF, ISAF Operation Concludes With Security Gains
 Download PDF 2010-08-CA-298 For Immediate Release
KABUL, Afghanistan (Aug. 27) - Afghan National Security Forces, partnering with International Security Assistance Forces, concluded their combined security sweep of the Uzbeen valley area Wednesday.  The operation, which began Saturday with a large joint air assault of troops from the Afghan National Army, French and U.S. soldiers, was focused on clearing the area, rooting out enemy insurgent fighters, and securing and destroying illegal explosives and munitions.  Following initial success in which approximately 40 Taliban fighters were killed and several key Taliban facilitators captured; operations transitioned focus toward the disruption of insurgent networks and the elimination of explosives and weapons in an attempt to provide a more lasting security.  The joint force consisted of 430 French soldiers from Task Force Bison, 360 U.S. soldiers from Task Force Iron Grey, 200 soldiers from the 201st Corps of the Afghan National Army that were integrated into both task forces, 60 Afghan commandos from Kandak Commando, and elements of the Afghan National Police in partnership with French Police Operational Mentoring Liaison Teams.  A total of 60 rockets and mortars were found and safely destroyed as well as a large quantity of homemade explosives and materials that are used in the construction of improvised explosive devices. In addition to the munitions, two laboratories used in the manufacturing of fake identifications and papers were found and destroyed.  The ANSF and coalition forces conducted several shuras with the locals during the course of the five-day operation, explaining what they were doing and addressing concerns that arose as the combined operation moved through the area. Particular attention was paid to cultural sensitivities and the heightened requirements of a local population that is immersed in the observance of Ramadan.  "This joint operation with the Afghan National Security Forces, French and American troops has been very successful, and it has been an honor for me to lead the largest air assault operation in recent times, especially with regards to the positive results," said French Army Brig. Gen. Pierre Chavancy, commander of Task Force Lafayette.  "The insurgents know now that we can go everywhere they are and we will remove illegal weapons and ammunition that they intend to use against the Afghan population, the ANSF and coalition forces," added Chavancy.