|
During an operation against enemy forces in the Sangin Valley area of the province earlier this week, the Marines and their Afghan National Security Forces counterparts uncovered a selection of improvised explosive devices, mines, detonators, explosives, pressure pads and grenades.
The Chief of Police for Helmand province, Colonel Sherzad, said: "The Taliban use these explosive devices indiscriminately. These devices are also killing and injuring civilians and they affect the lives of ordinary Afghan men, women and children. The Afghan people must send a clear message to the enemies of Afghanistan that their extremist and violent ways will not succeed here. For their own safety and security, the Afghan people must inform the Afghan National Police and Army where devices are being laid."
Royal Marines from 45 Commando spearheaded the very first military operations in Afghanistan in 2002. They began deploying to the Sangin area of northern Helmand in October 2008.
They are helping to create the right security conditions in order to extend the influence of the Afghan Government in the area, to support reform and development. Their work also involves providing protection for reconstruction teams, supporting the Afghan National Army and Police, patrolling, and denying the Taliban freedom of movement.
|
