ANSF, Coalition forces return to remote Oruzgan village

Written by Bagram Media Center
Saturday, 16 February 2008

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, along with Coalition forces, followed up on a previous promise to revisit the village of Khorma, Tarin Kowt District, Oruzgan Province, Feb. 13.
The combined team previously visited the village Jan. 6 to support the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s effort to improve medical care and distribute supplies to help Afghans living in remote areas of the country. During the January visit, the soldiers provided medical check-ups and items to help villagers get through the harsh winter.
This visit was no different. ANSF and Coalition forces met with village elders to determine the security in the area. Elders reported that the village remains secure, but sporadic insurgent activity continues to plague the area.
The elders were encouraged to report insurgent activity. The district is known to contain insurgent elements responsible for several improvised explosive device attacks against GIRoA and Coalition forces.
Citizens are taking a more active role to secure their own villages. As a result, insurgents are finding some areas unwelcome to their activities.
Through increased security in the district, soldiers were able to provide more GIRoA aid to ensure villagers’ needs were being met. One of the most pressing needs was getting school supplies for the children. With increased security, parents feel better about sending their children to schools. Soldiers provided school supplies, including backpacks, pencils, erasers, notebooks, and GIRoA flags.
Soldiers also provided medical assistance to residents of the remote village during the visit. A crying two-year-old girl was brought to the medics who immediately assessed her condition. None of the villagers immediately knew what was wrong with the child, but they reported that the child recently fell while climbing up on a raised storage area. ANSF and Coalition medics examined the girl and diagnosed her with a fractured arm and dislocated shoulder.
After administering first-aid and immobilizing her arm and shoulder, the combined force escorted her, along with her father and brother, to a combined military outpost in the district for X-rays and further medical treatment. The girl is expected to make a full recovery.
Residents reported they were extremely happy to have the combined force return to their village.
“These are the kinds of activities the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan can provide when there is security,” explained Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, a Coalition spokesperson. “Security starts in the villages and spreads throughout the district, the province and the entire country.”
“It is clear that Afghan citizens want a safer country. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is committed to ensuring the needs of its citizens are met.”