bobdina
10-07-2009, 01:22 PM
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - The commander of the Canadian battlegroup in Afghanistan says soldiers who are starting to set up shop in small villages around Kandahar city are getting a flood of information from area residents.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bill Graveland
Lieutenant-Colonel Joe Paul says clearing out the areas and moving in a group of Canadian soldiers to provide security has increased the trust between the two sides.
Paul said it is a slow process but his men are getting intelligence like they have never before.
He said it includes the location of new homemade bombs and a rundown on which members of certain villages are Taliban supporters, on the fence or anti-Taliban.
Paul says in a number of cases, villagers have consented to being photographed and have provided family histories.
He says it's invaluable to Canadian troops who are able to keep an eye out for individuals who may not belong and could pose a threat.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Bill Graveland
Lieutenant-Colonel Joe Paul says clearing out the areas and moving in a group of Canadian soldiers to provide security has increased the trust between the two sides.
Paul said it is a slow process but his men are getting intelligence like they have never before.
He said it includes the location of new homemade bombs and a rundown on which members of certain villages are Taliban supporters, on the fence or anti-Taliban.
Paul says in a number of cases, villagers have consented to being photographed and have provided family histories.
He says it's invaluable to Canadian troops who are able to keep an eye out for individuals who may not belong and could pose a threat.