VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHBUL #0601 0490909
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 180909Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5675
INFO RUCNAFG/AFGHANISTAN COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS KABUL 000601
DEPARTMENT FOR SRAP, SCA/FO, SCA/A, EUR/RPM
STATE PASS TO AID FOR ASIA/SCAA
USFOR-A FOR POLAD
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MOPS PGOV EAID AF
SUBJECT: OPERATION MOSHTARAK - SITUATIONAL REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 17,
2010
REF: (A) KABUL 590, (B) KABUL 582, (C) KABUL 567, (D) KABUL 554, (E)
KABUL 543, (F) KABUL 466, (G) KABUL 115, (H) 09 KABUL 4187
1. (SBU) Summary. Operations in Nad Ali District continued on
February 17 and Governor Mangal paid his first visit to Marjah with
ISAF military leadership. High numbers of improvised explosive
devices (IEDs) challenge progress in the operational area but the
District Stabilization Team (DST) hopes to move into Marjah in the
near future. Deputy District Governor Haji Zahir returned to
Lashkar Gah and was updated on the stabilization program and held
talks with Mangal. Local residents continue to express strong
support for ISAF operations across Nad Ali. End Summary.
2. (SBU) Large numbers of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
continue to challenge progress across Nad Ali and fighting
intensified in northern Nad Ali. Units continued to advance but
enemy forces continued to offer resistance across the district.
This is a situational update for the happenings in Nad Ali district
for February 17, 2010.
POLITICAL UPDATE
----------------
3. (SBU) Governor Mangal paid his first visit to Marjah with RC-S
Commander, Major General Carter, the U.S. Marine Commander,
Brigadier General Nicholson, and General Za Zai (205 Commander Hero
Corps of the ANA). The Governor landed in Wakil Wazer Charayai, met
the Afghan National Army (ANA) and then drove a short distance to
Loya Charayai, where he met the local elders, ANA and ANCOP police.
The elders were happy to receive the Governor and all expressed
support for the ongoing clearance operation. The Governor praised
the Afghan security forces and Marines and thanked them all for
their hard work.
4. (SBU) Marjah Sub-District Governor Haji Zahir traveled to Lashkar
Gah and met with PRT staff and was updated on the stabilization
program. He then met with Governor Mangal and other members of the
Provincial Government and all agreed that Zahir and his group should
move into Marjah and soon as possible. Zahir agreed and is prepared
to move his team into the Marjah area in the next few days, if
conditions on the ground warrant.
MEDIA UPDATE
------------
5. (SBU) Governor Mangal continues to conduct numerous interviews on
the operation, and he held a short media update after his visit to
Marjah.
IDP UPDATE
----------
6. (SBU) As of February 17, the Helmand Department of Refugees and
Repatriation report that a total of 1550 families have registered in
Lashkar Gah, with 196 registered today. Of this total, 850 families
have asked for humanitarian assistance, such as ration cards and
supplies.
Comment
-------
7. (SBU) Governor Mangal remains fully engaged on the operation and
is working closely with all the units involved. He was pleased with
his visit today to Marjah and looks forward to the arrival of Afghan
district government officials in the province.