Afghan National Police Drive Insurgents from Pupalzay Kalay
Afghan National Police Drive Insurgents from Pupalzay Kalay
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2011-01-S-316 For Immediate Release Download PDF    KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 28, 2011) — Helmand’s Afghan National Police, 2nd Kandak proved to their coalition mentors just how rapidly their capability is developing by mounting a successful operation Jan. 22.  The operation saw a surge into Pupalzay Kalay, just north of Route 601. A total of 400 Afghan police officers were supported by just 40 coalition soldiers in support vehicles and armored personnel carriers.  Clearing insurgent elements from the area, Afghan police killed at least five of the hard-line fighters who based themselves there.  “The locals and elders support my police,” said Col. Abdul Sattar Noorzai, commander, 2nd Kandak. “I have many well-trained men and we have shown the locals and the Taliban that we can provide the security required in this area.”  Planned, led and largely conducted by the ANP, the operation illustrated the 2nd Kandak’s ability to carry out large counter-insurgent operations and showed the Taliban that there are a very small and decreasing number of places left in Helmand where they will find support or be safe from the stretch of governance and security.  “This operation was a great step forward for the 2nd Kandak,” said Capt. Tom Mobbs, Delta Company, 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland.  “The ANP left the insurgents in no doubt whatsoever that they are a force to be reckoned with. Of course, we were deeply saddened to see two of our ANP colleagues fall victim to an IED. They know as well as we do the cost of this conflict but they also know what’s ultimately at stake and how vital it is that we prevail.”