Operation MOSHTARAK begins
13 Feb 10
The key military 'clearing' phase of Operation MOSHTARAK, involving a combined force of 15,000 troops launching major assaults on Taliban strongholds, has begun in central Helmand province today, Saturday 13 February 2010.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh ready to be lifted by helicopter at the start of Operation MOSHTARAK
[Picture: SSgt Will Craig, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
The operation is being carried out by the combined forces of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, NATO's International Security Assistance Force Regional Command (South), and the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team.
The operations now underway are designed to clear the region of insurgents and set the conditions for the Government of Afghanistan to introduce increased security, stability, development, rule of law, freedom of movement and reconstruction in the area.
The operation is being conducted in line with the wishes of the Afghan Government in Helmand. The security forces involved are serving side-by-side, representing partnership in strength.
The operation is focusing on the area of Marjah to the north, where operations are being led by Afghan forces and US Marines, and Nad 'Ali, where Afghan, British, Canadian and other American forces are leading the attack.
The clearing phase which has begun today follows the smaller-scale 'shaping' phase that helped set the conditions for today's offensive.
Speaking to over 1,000 troops, including soldiers from Australia, Canada, the United States, France and Estonia who are partnering with the Afghan National Security Forces, at Camp Bastion prior to the main assault, Brigadier James Cowan, the Commander of 11 Light Brigade who are the lead element of Task Force Helmand, said:
"We stand here today as partners. In the past few weeks we have trained to be a combined force.
"Soon we will be part of an operation the like of which has not been seen since the start of this campaign: Operation MOSHTARAK, or in English, 'Together'.
"I can think of no better name to describe this venture. For we are in this together: we have planned it together, we will fight it together, we will see it through together.
Brigadier James Cowan, Commander 11 Light Brigade, and General Mohaiyodin, Commander of 3rd Brigade, 205 Corps, of the Afghan National Army, address troops before Op MOSHTARAK begins
[Picture: SSgt Will Craig, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
"Afghans with allies, soldiers with civilians, Government with its people.
"In the last few weeks we have seized the initiative from the enemy. Day after day for six weeks we have killed and captured the enemy's leaders, shaping the conditions for success.
"Soon we will clear the Taliban from its safe havens in central Helmand. Where we go, we will stay. Where we stay, we will build.
"We will establish security so that the people are free once more to live their own lives under their own government.
"The next few days will not be without danger. To reduce the risks, you must know your enemy. Avoid the places they would expect you to go. Stay off the tracks. Check vulnerable areas before you enter them. Watch out for propaganda traps. Be first with the truth.
"Above all else protect the people. Defeat the enemy by avoiding civilian casualties. Hold your fire if there is risk to the innocent, even if this puts you in greater danger.
"That kind of restraint requires courage. The courageous restraint you have shown throughout our time in Afghanistan.
"Offer an open hand in friendship to those who do not wish to fight. They can join the people of Afghanistan and their Government in rebuilding their society.
"For those who will not shake our hand they will find it closed into a fist. They will be defeated.
"With my Afghan friends, I am proud to be one of your commanders. Together, Operation MOSHTARAK will mark the start of the end of the insurgency. I wish you godspeed and the best of luck."
Soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh ready for the start of Operation MOSHTARAK
[Picture: SSgt Will Craig, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
Op MOSHTARAK is the first part of a three-stage plan to increase security in the country.
After the insurgency in the south has been subdued British forces will move to building capacity in the Afghan National Security Forces and this will likely become the main effort later in the year.
The third stage will be transition and the reintegration of insurgents and sympathisers into Afghan society through an Afghan-led reintegration policy.
The military operations that have begun today in central Helmand will be followed by the swift establishment of an Afghan Government presence in cleared areas. This will be supported by stabilisation activity led by the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team.
A combined military force of 15,000 troops is involved in Operation MOSHTARAK. This combined force includes:
• Approximately five brigades of Afghan forces, including members of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, Afghan Border Police and the Afghan Gendarmerie (formerly the Afghan National Civil Order Police).
• ISAF Regional Command (South) elements, with forces drawn from the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia and Canada.
These elements include:
• 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (US)
• 1st Battalion, 6th Marines (US)
• 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines (US)
• 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, Stryker (US)
• Combat Engineer Battalion (US)
• Light Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (US)
• 1 Coldstream Guards Battle Group (UK)
• 1 Grenadier Guards Battle Group (UK)
• 1 Royal Welsh Battle Group (UK)
• A Squadron, Household Cavalry Regiment
• Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team (UK)
• Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team (UK)
• Task Force Pegasus
• Task Force Kandahar