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http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/OperationOqabQurbaniBritishSoldiersHelpToDeliverSecurityInHelmandProvince.htm
Operation Oqab Qurbani: British soldiers help to deliver security in Helmand Province
2 Aug 06
The delivery of sustained security is the key to success and reconstruction in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan. Such security will not be achieved whilst those who oppose the ISAF presence are able to attack coalition and Afghan National Security Forces or intimidate the local population.
A Chinook helicopter comes in to the Landing Zone at Nawzad to pick up troops from the Helmand Task Force having completed their mission.
[Picture: Cpl Mike Fletcher RLC]
Since mid-May, the UK-led Helmand Task Force (TF) has maintained a presence in Nawzad, a presence focused primarily upon the District Centre and its police station. During this time, the Taliban have launched multiple unsuccessful attacks against the garrison and taken heavy casualties.
Just before dawn on Sunday 30 July 2006, the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment Battle Group, infantry (including Gurkhas and elements of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers), engineers and the Household Cavalry Regiment’s light armour, supported by artillery (7 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery) as well as attack and transport helicopters, swept through the town of Nawzad.
Fixed Wing air support was available on call throughout should it have been required. Over 500 UK and Afghan National Army personnel were involved, either on the ground or directly in support.
The primary purpose of Operation OQAB QURBANI was to rotate the Task Force personnel stationed at the Nawzad garrison, some of whom are due to return home. The operation was also designed to disrupt those Taliban remaining in the town. The first stages of the operation have been a complete success.
Troops from 3 Para patrol the deserted streets of Nawzad showing their presence and dominance in the town.
[Picture: Cpl Mike Fletcher RLC]
The Taliban remaining in Nawzad offered virtually no resistance before fleeing their positions, thereby allowing soldiers from the Helmand Task Force to take control of the town.
Although further Taliban attacks in Nawzad must be expected, Operation OQAB QURBANI is a step towards the creation of conditions that will, in time, enable the Afghan National Army and Police to assume increased responsibility for the town’s security.
Helmand Task Force spokesman, Lt Col Kevin Stratford Wright, said:
"Offensive operations, such as that today in Nawzad, must continue across Helmand Province for as long as the Taliban retain the capability and will to launch attacks.
"It is very important the Taliban realise that they will never be safe until they give up the fight and shift their support to the legitimate Government of Afghanistan."
A commander on a D Sqn HCR Scimitar reads his map as he navigates the streets of Nawzad.
[Picture: Cpl Mike Fletcher RLC]
British troops are deployed in support of a UN-authorised, NATO-led mission, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and as part of the US-led international coalition.
ISAF is there to do three main things: to support the Government of Afghanistan as it extends its authority across the entire country; to facilitate development and reconstruction; and to improve security. We are now undertaking a staged progression and development of the ISAF mission across the whole of Afghanistan.
The expansion of ISAF into the south and east is critical to the ongoing stabilisation of Afghanistan, extending the authority of the Government of Afghanistan across the whole country and facilitating reconstruction.
Operation Oqab Qurbani: British soldiers help to deliver security in Helmand Province
2 Aug 06
The delivery of sustained security is the key to success and reconstruction in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan. Such security will not be achieved whilst those who oppose the ISAF presence are able to attack coalition and Afghan National Security Forces or intimidate the local population.
A Chinook helicopter comes in to the Landing Zone at Nawzad to pick up troops from the Helmand Task Force having completed their mission.
[Picture: Cpl Mike Fletcher RLC]
Since mid-May, the UK-led Helmand Task Force (TF) has maintained a presence in Nawzad, a presence focused primarily upon the District Centre and its police station. During this time, the Taliban have launched multiple unsuccessful attacks against the garrison and taken heavy casualties.
Just before dawn on Sunday 30 July 2006, the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment Battle Group, infantry (including Gurkhas and elements of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers), engineers and the Household Cavalry Regiment’s light armour, supported by artillery (7 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery) as well as attack and transport helicopters, swept through the town of Nawzad.
Fixed Wing air support was available on call throughout should it have been required. Over 500 UK and Afghan National Army personnel were involved, either on the ground or directly in support.
The primary purpose of Operation OQAB QURBANI was to rotate the Task Force personnel stationed at the Nawzad garrison, some of whom are due to return home. The operation was also designed to disrupt those Taliban remaining in the town. The first stages of the operation have been a complete success.
Troops from 3 Para patrol the deserted streets of Nawzad showing their presence and dominance in the town.
[Picture: Cpl Mike Fletcher RLC]
The Taliban remaining in Nawzad offered virtually no resistance before fleeing their positions, thereby allowing soldiers from the Helmand Task Force to take control of the town.
Although further Taliban attacks in Nawzad must be expected, Operation OQAB QURBANI is a step towards the creation of conditions that will, in time, enable the Afghan National Army and Police to assume increased responsibility for the town’s security.
Helmand Task Force spokesman, Lt Col Kevin Stratford Wright, said:
"Offensive operations, such as that today in Nawzad, must continue across Helmand Province for as long as the Taliban retain the capability and will to launch attacks.
"It is very important the Taliban realise that they will never be safe until they give up the fight and shift their support to the legitimate Government of Afghanistan."
A commander on a D Sqn HCR Scimitar reads his map as he navigates the streets of Nawzad.
[Picture: Cpl Mike Fletcher RLC]
British troops are deployed in support of a UN-authorised, NATO-led mission, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and as part of the US-led international coalition.
ISAF is there to do three main things: to support the Government of Afghanistan as it extends its authority across the entire country; to facilitate development and reconstruction; and to improve security. We are now undertaking a staged progression and development of the ISAF mission across the whole of Afghanistan.
The expansion of ISAF into the south and east is critical to the ongoing stabilisation of Afghanistan, extending the authority of the Government of Afghanistan across the whole country and facilitating reconstruction.
