nastyleg
02-14-2010, 02:56 PM
Operation Moshtarak begins in central Helmand province 13 February 2010
Lt Gen Sir Nick Parker talks about Operation Moshtarak
The key military "clearing" phase of Operation Moshtarak, involving a combined force of 15,000 troops launching major assaults on Taliban strongholds, has begun in central Helmand Province.
The operation is being carried out by the combined forces of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, NATO's International Security Assistance Force Regional Command (South), and the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team.
The operations now underway, being conducted in line with the wishes of the Afghan government in Helmand, are designed to clear the region of insurgents and set the conditions for the Government of Afghanistan to introduce increased security, stability, development, rule of law, freedom of movement and reconstruction in the area.
The operation is focussing on the areas of Marjah to the north where operations are being led by Afghan Forces and US Marines and Nad Ali. Afghans, British, Canadian and other American forces are leading the attack.
Speaking at Camp Bastion prior to the main assault, Brigadier James Cowan, the Commander of 11 Light Brigade said:
"We stand here today as partners. In the past few weeks we have trained to be a combined force.
"Soon we will be part of an operation the like of which has not been seen since the start of this campaign: Operation Moshtarak, or in English, "Together".
"I can think of no better name to describe this venture. For we are in this together: we have planned it together, we will fight it together, we will see it through together.
"Afghans with allies, soldiers with civilians, Government with its people.
"In the last few weeks we have seized the initiative from the enemy. Day after day for six weeks, we have killed and captured the enemy's leaders, shaping the conditions for success.
"Soon we will clear the Taliban from its safe havens in central Helmand. Where we go, we will stay. Where we stay, we will build.
"We will establish security so that the people are free once more to live their own lives under their own government.
"The next few days will not be without danger. To reduce the risks, you must know your enemy. Avoid the places they would expect you to go. Stay off the tracks. Check vulnerable areas before you enter them. Watch out for propaganda traps. Be first with the truth.
"Above all else protect the people. Defeat the enemy by avoiding civilian casualties. Hold your fire if there is risk to the innocent, even if this puts you in greater danger.
"That kind of restraint requires courage. The courageous restraint you have shown throughout our time in Afghanistan
"Offer an open hand in friendship to those who do not wish to fight. They can join the people of Afghanistan and their Government in rebuilding their society.
"For those who will not shake our hand they will find it closed into a fist. They will be defeated.
"With my Afghan friends, I am proud to be one of your commanders. Together, Operation MOSHTARAK will mark the start of the end of the insurgency. I wish you Godspeed and the best of luck."
A combined military force of 15,000 troops are in involved in Operation Moshtarak. This combined force includes:
* Approximately five brigades of Afghan forces, including members of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, Afghan Border Police and Afghan Gendarmerie (formerly Afghan National Civil Order Police).
* ISAF Regional Command (South) elements, with forces drawn from the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia and Canada.
The UK elements include:
* Coldstream Guards Battle Group
* 1 Grenadier Guards Battle Group
* 1 Royal Welsh Battle Group
* Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team
* Operational Mentor and Liaison Team
http://www.army.mod.uk/news/19223.aspx
Lt Gen Sir Nick Parker talks about Operation Moshtarak
The key military "clearing" phase of Operation Moshtarak, involving a combined force of 15,000 troops launching major assaults on Taliban strongholds, has begun in central Helmand Province.
The operation is being carried out by the combined forces of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, NATO's International Security Assistance Force Regional Command (South), and the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team.
The operations now underway, being conducted in line with the wishes of the Afghan government in Helmand, are designed to clear the region of insurgents and set the conditions for the Government of Afghanistan to introduce increased security, stability, development, rule of law, freedom of movement and reconstruction in the area.
The operation is focussing on the areas of Marjah to the north where operations are being led by Afghan Forces and US Marines and Nad Ali. Afghans, British, Canadian and other American forces are leading the attack.
Speaking at Camp Bastion prior to the main assault, Brigadier James Cowan, the Commander of 11 Light Brigade said:
"We stand here today as partners. In the past few weeks we have trained to be a combined force.
"Soon we will be part of an operation the like of which has not been seen since the start of this campaign: Operation Moshtarak, or in English, "Together".
"I can think of no better name to describe this venture. For we are in this together: we have planned it together, we will fight it together, we will see it through together.
"Afghans with allies, soldiers with civilians, Government with its people.
"In the last few weeks we have seized the initiative from the enemy. Day after day for six weeks, we have killed and captured the enemy's leaders, shaping the conditions for success.
"Soon we will clear the Taliban from its safe havens in central Helmand. Where we go, we will stay. Where we stay, we will build.
"We will establish security so that the people are free once more to live their own lives under their own government.
"The next few days will not be without danger. To reduce the risks, you must know your enemy. Avoid the places they would expect you to go. Stay off the tracks. Check vulnerable areas before you enter them. Watch out for propaganda traps. Be first with the truth.
"Above all else protect the people. Defeat the enemy by avoiding civilian casualties. Hold your fire if there is risk to the innocent, even if this puts you in greater danger.
"That kind of restraint requires courage. The courageous restraint you have shown throughout our time in Afghanistan
"Offer an open hand in friendship to those who do not wish to fight. They can join the people of Afghanistan and their Government in rebuilding their society.
"For those who will not shake our hand they will find it closed into a fist. They will be defeated.
"With my Afghan friends, I am proud to be one of your commanders. Together, Operation MOSHTARAK will mark the start of the end of the insurgency. I wish you Godspeed and the best of luck."
A combined military force of 15,000 troops are in involved in Operation Moshtarak. This combined force includes:
* Approximately five brigades of Afghan forces, including members of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, Afghan Border Police and Afghan Gendarmerie (formerly Afghan National Civil Order Police).
* ISAF Regional Command (South) elements, with forces drawn from the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia and Canada.
The UK elements include:
* Coldstream Guards Battle Group
* 1 Grenadier Guards Battle Group
* 1 Royal Welsh Battle Group
* Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team
* Operational Mentor and Liaison Team
http://www.army.mod.uk/news/19223.aspx