Zabul - Operation Badar Update

The ongoing military operation in Zabul province, Operation Badar, has killed forty militants according to a news report by Khaama Press on April 29, 2015. The operation started about five days ago. Some say this operation may be an attempt to find and release the 31 Hazara hostages taken in February 2015. This large-scale operation is a coordinated attack by government forces on anti-government forces' historical safe havens. Some of the units participating include Afghan National Army (ANA) units from the 203rd and 205th Corps, the Kandahar province 2nd Mobile Strike Force, the Afghan 3rd Special Operations Kandak, and other units. The 205th Corps has primary responsibility of Zabul province and is assisted by Train, Advise, Assist Command - South (TAAC-South) based at Kandahar. TAAC-South is composed of members of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division and 82nd Airborne Division. The 205th is advised by the Australian 205th Coalition Advisory Team along with Soldiers from Bulgaria and Romania. TAAC-S has a forward operational center which is monitoring the operation. Read more in "Major Afghan military operation underway in country's southeast", DVIDS, April 29, 2015.

Special Forces Soldier Dies in Zabul Province

A Special Forces Soldier of 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group died of small arms fire on December 3, 2014 in Zabul province, southern Afghanistan. He was with his unit conducting a clearing operation at the time. SSG Ammerman enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2004. He served with the 509th Infantry Battalion (Alaska) and deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq with that unit. He later served with the 69th Armor Regiment (Georgia). He volunteered for Special Forces in 2012. Details were released by ISAF, Army Times, and stateside newspapers. See a press release from United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).

Slow Progress in Zabul Province

As members of 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment prepare to redeploy to the states they are reflecting on their past year in Afghanistan and on the progress made in Zabul Province. See "At southern Afghan outpost, U.S. soldiers prepare for transition", The Kansas City Star, March 31, 2012.

Reintegration of Taliban in Zabul Province

Zabul Province has taken a small step forward in the reintegration of insurgents back into Afghan society. The leader of a small band of Taliban has crossed over to the Afghan government and is now helping the government to reintegrate other insurgents. The reintegration program, although well-funded with $140 million, has had dismal success in Zabul province.  Most reintegrees have come from northern Afghanistan - with Badghis province having the most insurgents join the program.  Read more here - "In the battle for Taliban minds, a new spokesman steps forward in Zabul province", Stars and Stripes, February 19, 2012.

Afghan Local Police (ALP) Established in Zabul Province, Afghanistan by Special Forces Team

A shura was held in Shah Joy, Zabul Province, Afghanistan where it was announced that an element of the Afghan Local Police (ALP) would be established.  The ALP would be assisted by a U.S. Army Special Forces detachment.  Read more in "ALP program starting in Shah Joy", AFCENT, January 28, 2011.

Report from Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Zabul, Afghanistan

Zabul Province in Afghanistan has recently deserved the attention it deserves from the military.  It is an important province due to a number of factors.  Highway 1 runs through Zabul Province (it connects Kandahar with Kabul).  The province is home to leaders and members of the insurgency and neighbors Kandahar Province.  Recent military operations have enhanced security which in turn helps with efforts to improve governance and development.  The following news release paints a rosy picture of the Afghan government's efforts in Zabul Province.  Let's hope it is true.  See "Measurable progress made in Afghanistan's Zabul Province", The Reading Eagle, January 16, 2011.

Progress in Arghandab District - Zabul Province, Afghanistan

A news correspondent visits the Arghandab District of Zabul Province and cites examples of how things have gotten better in terms of security, schools, roads, and markets.  Read "Good News, for a Change", The Weekly Standard, December 4, 2010.