Operation ‘Brothers in Arms’: Afghan Mortars shoot for the first time at Shindand Garrison

The first phase of operation ‘Brothers in Arms’ was concluded last night at the artillery range of Shindand Garrison, where the Weapons Coy of the 6th Kandak 207th ANA Corps performed for the first time with their 81mm mortars after a 1-month training cycle provided by ISAF’s Italian Mountain Troops of Task-Force Centre, Regional Command West.

“Thanks to the partnership with ISAF”, said colonel Mohamed Nader, the Shindand garrison’s commanding officer, “we will now be able to support our operations with mortars, allowing us to shoot more efficiently from covered positions”.

The following phase of operation ‘Brothers in Arms’ will focus on countering the IED threat, which constitutes the main source of harm for civilians as well as for Afghan and ISAF forces. In the coming weeks, Afghan soldiers based in Shindand will attend a Counter-IED skills training given by the Italian Engineers of Regional Command West.