RC N Watch: Operation in Gor Tepa – der U.S.-Blick

Der gestrige Bericht in der FAZ über die gemeinsame Aktion von Deutschen, Amerikanern und Afghanen in Gor Tepa bei Kundus (bzw. der Blogeintrag dazu, siehe auch die Anmerkung am Ende dieses Eintrags) ist bei meinen Lesern auf großes Interesse gestoßen – deshalb erst einmal zu dieser Operation ein Bericht von offizieller Seite, nämlich von der U.S. Army (in dem die Deutschen übrigens nicht erwähnt werden und auch der Name der Operation, laut FAZ Towse a Garbe III (Hopeful Valley) nicht).

Interessant ist dabei die gezeigte Zusammenarbeit mit den Arbaki, den Stammesmilizen. Veröffentlicht wurde der amerikanische Bericht hier.

Joint Mission Secures Foothold in Gor Tepa

Story by Sgt. 1st Class John Queen
1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan – Afghan national security forces along with members of the International Security Assistance Force began a major security operation recently in the Gor Tepa region of Kunduz province in northern Afghanistan.

The combined operation, which began Dec. 28, is focused on denying insurgents freedom of movement throughout the area.

Members of the Afghan national police, Afghan national army and local Arbaki fighters have partnered with soldiers of 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment from the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team in order to bring security to the region.

Together the joint force advanced from a remote checkpoint outpost that was established in a Gor Tepa neighborhood last October.

Gor Tepa has been a stronghold for the insurgency in the ISAF’s Regional Command – North.

During the eight day mission, ANSF members have been working hand-in-hand with soldiers of 1-87 Inf. as they push forward establishing new checkpoints along a main road and rooting out insurgents that are holding out in the area.

Before moving out on a joint foot patrol in the Isa Khan region of the Northern Afghanistan province of Kunduz, Spc. Charles Hatch, an infantryman with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment from the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team does pre-combat checks with a group of Arbaki fighters. (Foto: U.S. Army)

These new checkpoints, manned by members of the ANSF, will help provide a lasting security along the thoroughfare and allow the community to travel safely.

One of the main objectives for the operation is securing the main road which is considered a main route into the north and northwest regions of the Kunduz province. This road has been a major hazard for not only ANSF and ISAF, but the local community as well due to the number improvised explosive devices emplaced by insurgents.

As part of the operation, combat engineers from the 2nd Engineer Battalion have been working steadily to seek out, and destroy numerous IEDs along the route.

This combined effort has opened and secured more than 6,000 meters the road.

Security forces will continue to provide security by disposing of materials that could harm the members of the community.

In addition to providing security, humanitarian assistance is also being provided to the local residents.

The efforts of this combined team operation are aimed at restoring safety and stability to the area, developing the local economy and expanding the reach of the Afghan government.

Der FAZ-Bericht über diese Aktion ist leider nach wie vor nicht online; aber ich habe eine Stellungnahme des Verteidigungsministeriums dazu: Der Bericht wird im Wesentlichen bestätigt, allerdings habe es sich nicht um eine Luftlandeoperation im Kampfeinsatz gehandelt: Die deutschen Kräfte, eine Kompanie des Ausbildungs- und Schutzbataillons Kundus, sei ganz normal wie bei früheren Einsätzen auch mit Hubschraubern an den Einsatzort gebracht worden. Sie hätten die Aufgabe gehabt, die rechte Flanke der im Schwerpunkt eingesetzten U.S.-Kräfte zu sichern.

Ergänzend noch, was ich vergangene Woche übersehen hatte – ein afghanischer Bericht vom 29. Dezember:

TOLO News: In an Afghan and Nato forces operation in northern Kunduz province five villages were cleared of insurgents, provincial official said.

The operation was launched in Gour Tepa area of Kunduz province on Tuesday in which five villages were cleared of insurgents, Mohammad Haroon Ariayenizhad, a spokesman for police chief of Kunduz told TOLOnews.

The five villages cleared of insurgents include Barid, Qalacha, Qurughli, Qumandan Dawood, and Hakim Bai.

„Four Taliban militants were killed and ten suspects were detained during the operation,“ said Ariayenizhad.

There has been no civilian casualties in the operation, but one soldiers has been wounded.

Nachtrag: Der deutsche Bericht ist jetzt hier online.