At the beginning of this week useful time was spent by some of BG HQ staff, with Gen Muhaiyodin, getting to know the Gereshk area of operatons. Major Richard Clements and the CS OMLT hosted us for a couple of days. Gereshk lies at the centre of Helmand Province astride the Helmand River, where it flows beneath the main east road, the Highway 1. Gereshk is the wealthiest town in the province, and as a result has very complex security dynamics. The threat comes not just from Taleban insurgents. There is also a power struggle, between the fairly corrupt Afghan National Police and influential narco-khans and militias, to control the lucrative checkpoints that line the main routes through Gereshk. These checkpoints impose unofficial 'taxes' on goods, particularly opium that pass through. The links between the Taleban and other players is not yet clear. However, the struggle is violent and brutal. This week saw a suicide bomb attack on the main police station in the town.

Our visit included a patrol through the desert to Patrol Base (PB) SANDFORD, where the ANA and Capt David Landon's team had recently taken the base over from a Danish Company. We also ventured into the Green Zone east of the river to take in PB BARAKZAI where Capt Russ Archer and his sappers are mentoring ANA engineers. One evening was spent having a traditional Afghan floor supper and shura (meeting) with some of the influential leaders in the Gereshk area.

The main event of the week from 3/205 Bde ANA's perspective was their Open Day and Shura at Shorabak. Gen Muhaiyodin invited Governor Mangal and several key officials from Lashkar Gar. Tribal leaders, mullahs and opposition characters were also part of the 210 local guests who were given access to the ANA camp. The intent was to promote the capability, role and quality of life of the Afghan soldiers in Helmand. Weapons' displays and capability demonstrations provided the backdrop, with flags and bunting decorating the barracks and marking the 16th Anniversary of the Afghan Triumph of the Islamic Revolution. This is the occasion when the Mujahideen overthrew the Communists in 1992. The main focus of the day was a series of speeches by the General, the Provincial Governor and the Garrison Commander. The themes were based on seeking support for the ANA in its quest to expel the Taleban oppressors and an appeal for unity to develop a peaceful and poppy-free future for the benefit of the next generation of Afghans. The event was rounded off with a large communal lunch and prayers in the garrison mosque. The ANA had laid on a special day and gave an indication of their organisational skills when determined to impress.

Finally, a new Kandak has arrived. It is a so-called Counter Narcotics Kandak. It will be mentored by a team of US Army soldiers when it is fully established. We will be taking on training responsibilities for this new formation. In 6 weeks it is intended for the CN Kdk to join the others on general security operations since the poppy harvest will be complete.           

E B M FREELY
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding Officer
1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment