ADF Reaches Out To Remote Communities In Oruzgan

ADF Reaches Out To Remote Communities In Oruzgan

Australia’s Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) has successfully supported local Afghan police in establishing a stronger presence in remote parts of southern Afghanistan during the first part of winter.

SOTG operations with the Afghan Provincial Police Reserve (PPR) were conducted to deny Taliban influence in the region and to protect the population of Oruzgan province.

These operations took place in the mountainous valleys of Garmab, Patan and Kush Kadir.

Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Mark Evans, said in partnership with the PPR the SOTG held formal discussions, or Shuras, with community leaders in these areas to assess their security needs and requirements for humanitarian assistance.

“The communities responded positively, with many people from outlying areas travelling to meet with the PPR and the SOTG,” LTGEN Evans said.

“This continues the ADF’s population centric approach that is in line with the strategy of Commander International Security Assistance Force, General Stanley McChrystal.

While the visits to the valleys were primarily fact finding missions, SOTG Medics travelling with the patrols provided valuable hands-on health care work, conducting several health clinics, treating approximately 200 people in the three valleys.

“We looked at the local people specifically, and engaged with them to determine what they needed, and how best we could help. At the same time we treated anybody who was sick as well,” an SOTG soldier said.

LTGEN Evans said the population centric approach was helping to foster positive relations between the community, the PPR and the SOTG.

“The stronger ties between the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and the population in these areas will give locals further confidence to seek assistance from the Government of Afghanistan.”

The ability of the SOTG and PPR, working together, to continue limiting insurgent coercion and influence over the population enhances security and stability for communities in Oruzgan province. This supports Australia’s strategic objective of strengthening the capacity of the ANSF so they can increasingly manage security in the province.

ENDS

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