NAVY NEWS, OCTOBER 2010 hts and minds forever’


23


Picture: Sarah Yuen, DMOC Picture: LA(Phot) Si Ethell


Taleban and by doing so have reduced the threat of violence spreading elsewhere. “The progress and momentum in central Helmand would not have been possible without their endeavour and sacrifice.


“It is and will continue to be a challenging area because of its strategic importance to the Afghan Government, ISAF and the insurgency – that is why ISAF forces will remain there to build upon the progress already achieved by UK forces.” Lt Col Paul James, CO of 40


Cdo, said: “It’s been a hard fight for 40 Cdo in Sangin, but we have achieved much. “We have sought to protect the


local people and have worked hard to support the Afghan National Security Forces.” Lt


Col James Picture: LA(Phot) Si Ethell continued:


“The bazaar itself, central to the economy of the area, is thriving and a much more bustling place than when we arrived, with new shops opening all the time. “There is still work to do,


and we are confident that our American partners will build on what we have achieved. “We have lost brave marines,


but we will do them proud and return home with our heads held high.”


District Governor of Sangin, Mohammad Sharif, attitude,


said: “The service, and sacrifice


that has been paid by the Royal Marines has been exemplary and has set a very good example for the people of Sangin. “As 40 Commando goes, they will be missed by the people of Sangin and they will be in our thoughts and minds forever as we will always remember their hard work and efforts.”


US Maj Gen Richard P


Mills, the Commander Regional Command (South West) – the military HQ responsible for Helmand and Nimruz provinces – said: “UK forces have carved out a solid security bubble that we are moving US forces into. “They are leaving solid professional relationships with the people and the ANSF in Sangin. “We will continue to build on


● Clockwise from top: Royal Marines from Bravo Coy 40 Cdo on a desert operation near Sangin; Members of the Police Mentoring Troop leap into the River Sangin to cool off at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jackson after a patrol around Sangin bazaar; green berets from 40 Cdo seek shade while they grab some rest during a four-day joint ISAF-ANA operation in Sangin; the Police Mentoring Troop, on a routine patrol around the Sangin bazaar, stopped over at Fly Over checkpoint for a short break before returning to FOB Jackson


the successes and continue to work with the local population and forces there.” Troops returning to the area


over time have noticed a difference in Sangin, a nexus of roads and powerlines, the latter snaking out from the Kajaki hydro-electric station. Sangin is also one of the most


fertile parts of Helmand. Since 2006 the governance of


Sangin has undergone radical change, with the current governor working closely with coalition forces and seeking to win


the


support of local tribal groupings, some of whom have previously supported the insurgency. There are now more than 850 shops trading in Sangin’s bazaar – a figure which has doubled in a year.


The improvement of Route 611 from central Helmand through Sangin


to Kajaki has improved


access to agricultural land and markets for local people, while local administrators, supported by the Provincial Reconstruction


Team, have been working to


distribute grain and promote the production of legal alternatives to narcotics.


A new health clinic opened a


year ago this month, which sees trained Afghan medics treat 300 patients per week from Sangin and surrounding areas. The handover of Sangin, was


the third and final act in a series of changes sparked by a rise in numbers in the province. There are now some 30,000 ISAF troops in Helmand as well as around 7,000 ANSF. In January last year there were just 5,000 ISAF troops, mostly British, and very few ANSF forces covering the same patch. Security responsibility for Musa Qaleh was transferred from the UK to the Americans on March 27, while the same process was achieved for Kajaki on June 25. The Sangin switch completes


the current round of restructuring of ISAF forces in southern Afghanistan.


Picture: Sarah Yuen, DMOC


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