By Lt. Joseph Holstead, USN
NTM-A
KABUL, Afghanistan (March 10, 2010) - Afghan Ministry of Defense (MOD) and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) spokespersons informed reporters today that growing numbers joining the Afghan National Army and continued progress in Marjah speak to further success in the fight against insurgents.
“Some 24,056 recruits joined the Army last month . . . and we have begun to recruit more females; we will graduate the first round of new female officer recruits in six months,” MOD spokesperson Gen. Zahir Azimi said.
In addition to the progress and growth of the Army, ISAF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Eric Tremblay provided an update about Operation Moshtarak in Helmand Province. The operation continues to move into the holding phase (as clearing is wrapped up and building plans begin).
“There are still IED [improvised explosive device] finds and strikes with isolated direct fire incidents in the last 24 hours and weapons cache finds,” he said, but “freedom of movement is being maintained with road clearing and patrols and the key to freedom is information from the Afghan people on weapons caches and IEDs,” said Tremblay.
“The security is still fragile, but improving daily,” Tremblay said.
He also noted that engagement of local leaders continued in the last few days with visits by President Karzai and other key leaders in Marjah.
Additionally, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan continues inspections of essential services, working to confirm current services and future requirements.
Marking additional progress, he stated that, to date, the Afghan government has reported 819 displaced families have returned to Marjah from Lashkar Gah and elsewhere.
Tremblay went on to thank the Afghan people, on behalf of the Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF, for making the area safe and warned, “the Taliban are still trying to emplace IEDs and stop progress….”
“[But] the effectiveness of the Afghan Army and Police, along with ISAF partners, is making the difference.”
Gen Azimi noted with continued success in Marjah and, “as the Army and Police continue to grow, the space in which insurgents can operate is shrinking.”
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