ANSF Growing In Partnership in southern Badghis province

All around Afghanistan, examples of massive teamwork between Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces can be seen. The Badghis Province borders the western edge of Afghanistan and is another prime example of multinational teamwork. Beginning in October 2009 and continuing through the present, ANSF have partnered with Team Battle, Task Force Professional, 4th Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, and a team from U.S. Marine Special Operations Forces to establish an area of security and Afghan Government presence around Muqor District, Badghis Province.

Before TM Battle established Combat Outpost Husker outside of Muqor, there were no Coalition forces permanent to the area, with Qal-E-Naw being the closest Coalition base in the region. Taliban activity around Muqor was rampant, due to the inability of the local Afghan National Police to effectively stop them. "Before we started to maintain a presence here, the enemy had complete freedom of movement to the north." states Capt. Joey Nickel, commander of TM Battle. "Now that we've established ourselves, pushed out patrols, and expanded security in the area, the bubble we've created for the populace has slowed taliban taxation and curbed their influence."

As a result of the increased security in the valley, GIRoA support has began to increase among the adjoining civilian populace. "People have a need to feel safe, and people are happy with the increased security," says Moqur ANP Chief Lt. Col Obaidullah Nyabzada. "It's gotten a lot better. The thing is, as you support security, you expand support for the government," according to Nickel. One of the steps in bringing increased security to the valley is for TM Battle to help the Muqor ANP build their capabilities and to ensure they have the capacity to continue the mission of security after Coalition Forces have left.

Arriving in Muqor in early April was a team of Marine Special Operations Forces along with their partners, the 3/1/207th Kandak. The ANA and Marine Special Operations Forces came to boost TM Battle and the Muqor District ANP's ability to expand their reach of security in the valley. "The interaction with MSOT has been great," according to Nickel. "They understand the plan that we've laid out for this valley and have fell in on what has been established." The newly formed partnership has already proven to be a success; as a result of the Marines working with TM Battle, a refined understanding of the district has been produced. "We've complimented TM Battle by bringing specialized equipment and capabilities to the battlefield," said a Marine Special Operations Forces operator. "This has led to the enhancement of district security by engaging the populace and developing the human terrain,"

Before Coalition Forces established in Muqor, there were no routes to Qal-E-Naw that could be safely travelled on by Afghan civilians without Taliban harassment and taxation. Now there are multiple roads that can be safely travelled upon between the two towns. The ability for people to move freely about the valley and to Qal-E-Naw is not lost upon the local population. The ANP have seen noticeable effects, with many of them saying they can now go and visit areas where it was not possible before, allowing them to see and interact with more of the population and bring a GIRoA presence to new areas.

With the expanded reach of security of ANSF forces within the district, the commitment of the GIRoA to bring peace and prosperity to it's population continues to be presented. ANSF and Coalition forces are continually working to bring peace across all of Afghanistan.