3rd Commando Kandak and USSF Conduct Operation in Shah Wali Kot District, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces set out to provide security and assist the local population during a clearing operation in a remote village in Shah Wali Kot District, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Feb. 8, 2011.

District Chief of Police Bacha Khan and his policemen, Afghan Commandos from 2nd Company, 3rd Commando Kandak, along with U.S. service members from Special Operations Task Force – South, searched the village throughout the day and detained 20 suspected insurgents.

Also found were 80 pounds of homemade explosives and various improvised explosive device making materials.

Leading a squad during the operation was Afghan Commando Sgt. Hafiz Rahman, a 28-year-old who has been in the Afghan National Army for seven years. He said this operation has shown him progress.

“The people are respecting us,” Rahman said. “They ask us if we want tea, or ‘do we want bread?’ They are thankful for the security.”

Children during the operation brought Commandos blankets in the evening, and offered them food throughout the day.

“Afghans are tired of the Taliban,” Rahman said. “We just want to live in peace.”

The operation took place without any civilian casualties, or any property damage. No shots were fired during the detention of the suspects.

Source:  "Afghan Police, Commandos, US Special Forces clear northern Kandahar", DVIDS, February 11, 2011.