Transcript 20101123-The Week On Op Herrick 15-21 Nov 10-U

THE WEEK ON
OP HERRICK
15 - 21 Nov 10
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 - 21 NOV 10
CF NES(S) (2 PARA)
ANA MORALE BOOSTED AS INSURGENT FLAG IS CAPTURED IN HAJI
BORJAN KALAY
ANA soldiers operating alongside E Coy conducted a successful cordon and
search operation on a suspected insurgent base location. On the route back
from the operation the ANA commander, along with his warriors, took down an
insurgent flag to the north east of the town of HAJI BORJAN KALAY.
The flag was taken down in front of local nationals, which gave the ANA
considerable credibility as well as boosting their morale.
ANSF AND ISAF GIVE GIFTS TO LOCAL NATIONALS TO CELEBRATE
EID
ANSF and ISAF soldiers have celebrated Eid by giving gifts to the local
national population throughout the Nahr-e-Saraj (South) (NES(S)) district.
Rice and vegetable oil was handed out to adults and winter clothing, wellies,
toys and stationary was gifted to children.
The gifts were gratefully received by local nationals who have continued to
demonstrate their faith for ANSF and ISAF with continued Shuras and
interaction during this festive period. This is a sign of the growing faith
Coalition Forces and represents progress with the COIN campaign being
conducted across the district.
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 08 – 14 NOV 10
NDA(N) – 3 PARA
3 PARA were busy this week Hosting Eid Feasts
for locals in and around their patrol bases and
check points. This was further enhanced by the
distribution of humanitarian packages throughout
the area of operations. Of note, was the locals of
Naqilabad Kalay who invited ISAF to an Eid Feast,
showing just how welcome we have become in
areas.
The Eid Feast held in patrol base Shazad
was a fantastic success and was attended
by local elders, District Community Council
members and friends. The greeting from
the first elder to arrive, was to thank us for
respecting their tradition and inviting them to
share food with us on their special occasion.
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 - 21 NOV 10
CF NDA(S) (1 R IRISH)
A successful operation carried out by the 1st Battalion The
Royal Irish Regiment, provided the basis for stability for
District Governor led stabilisation for the population in Nad-eAli province, Helmand.
To ensure security in the ‘Red Wedge’ a new Check Point
was established. CP TOR JAN, which is now jointly manned
with the Afghan National Police (ANP) was built in record
time. The security provided by Op TORA ZHEMAY 1 has
allowed the District Governor (DG) Habibullah Shamalani to
hold an Out Reach Shura in TOR JAN for the first time since
the occupation of the Taliban. The shura was the largest
gathering of village elders and local nationals in that area. In
total 180 turned up to hear the words of the DG and the ISAF
representative, Commanding Officer 1 R IRISH, Lieutenant
Colonel Colin Weir.
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 - 21 NOV 10
CF LKG (2 SCOTS)
Friday the 19th of November 2010 saw one of the biggest musical events of the year in Lashkar Gah. Farhad Darya – known by many as the
‘Afghan Elvis’ – put on a show for thousands of fans in the Provincial Capital which was deemed to be a roaring success.
Security was provided by the ANP with ISAF on call should they be required. Lt Col Graham - Commanding Officer 2 SCOTS Battlegroup –
attended the concert. “This was a glimpse of normality in an otherwise hectic place.”
Colonel Kumallahdin – Chief of Police for Lashkar Gah – said: “This was a great day for Lashkar Gah. The fact that such a huge star as Farhad
Darya chose to visit our city is proof that the ANP are providing the highest levels of security. We hope more famous stars will visit in the future.”
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 - 21 NOV 10
CF LKG (2 SCOTS)
“Farhad Darya, of Tajik ethnicity, blew out the
Pashtun crowd with his performance and
genuine love for his people”
worldpress.com
In one of the biggest musical events ever to
take place in the country, pop star Farhad Darya
performed in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province.
pressassociation.com
“Farhad Darya played to thousands of Helmandi
people as part of his Peace concert”
bbc.co.uk
“… hailed the concert by the Afghan Elvis as proof
of security”
The Independent
In one of the biggest musical events ever to
take place in country, Farhad Darya performed in
Lashkar Gah”
Belfast Telegraph
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 - 21 NOV 10
CF LKG (2 SCOTS)
As dawn broke over Checkpoint ATTAL on the 15th Nov, the Afghan National Police (ANP) and members of 2
SCOTS, launched Op ZMARAY KARGHA (‘Lion Falcon’ in English). This operation saw the ANP and ISAF
conducting partnered patrols into the village of HOORZAI near the KOSH KAWA river. Maj Wight-Boycott, OC D
Company said: “This operation was a huge success. The ANP performed extremely well and showed the people
that they are there to protect them.”
One local elder commented: “Seeing the ANP in this area was very refreshing. It reminded us that there are
people out there who are looking out for us.”
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 - 21 NOV 10
CF LKG (2 SCOTS)
Gifts being distributed to local people.
Capt George Vlachonikolis sampling the local wares.
Eid al Adda is a special time for Muslims, when they gather together with their families and celebrate this
holy festival.
Part of the Eid festivities sees Muslims giving gifts to one another as well as to some of the poorest
families in their area in the spirit of charity.
As a show of solidarity with the people who have welcomed them into their country, 2 SCOTS purchased
gifts to distribute to the poorest families in their AO.
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
3/215 BRIGADE ADVISOR GROUP (1 IG)
Op ZAMROD ZHEMAY was a partnered operation
to build a check point in Nad-e-Ali. 1st Kandak of
3/215 Bde ANA, supported by their Irish Guards
advisors, made a full contribution to security for the
operation in concert with their 3 PARA partners.
The success of the partnered operation
demonstrates the ability of the ANA Kandak to plan
and execute a largely self-sustained 3 week
expeditionary operation.
9
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
3/215 BRIGADE ADVISOR GROUP (1 IG)
Op ZAMROD ZHEMAY key points:
• ANA engaged in joint planning, adding
to the ISAF mission intent and scheme of
manoeuvre.
• Shura cordon and security patrols
were provided by the ANA.
• ANA planned deployment from CP
FOLAD to PB KHAMAAR.
• Key Leader engagements led by ANA.
• High ANA tactical standards.
10
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
3/215 BRIGADE ADVISOR GROUP (1 IG)
3rd Brigade, 215 (Maiwand) Corps
celebrate Eid in Camp Shorabak with
the Advisor Group from 1st Battalion
Irish Guards Battle Group.
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
PDATT (5 SCOTS)
ANP join ISAF on Op ZAMARY KARGHA
40 ANP Patrolmen from the 2nd Kandak
responsible for security of Route 601
joined D Coy 5 SCOTS on 2 SCOTS’ Op
ZAMARY KARGHA this week.
Maj Nick Wight-Boycott, OC D COY 5 SCOTS, briefs an
ANP commander on the next phase of the operation.
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
PDATT (5 SCOTS)
ANP join ISAF on Op ZAMARY KARGHA
Maj Nick Wight-Boycott and an ANP commander speak to
locals in Hoorzai Village about security in the area.
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
PDATT (5 SCOTS)
HPTC stands down for Eid al Adha
Training at HPTC stood down this week to
allow those on courses could go home for
Eid. The 300 Patrolmen and NCOs
currently in training return on Monday.
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
TFH Engr Gp (23 Engr Regt (Air Asslt))
9 Para Sqn RE has been heavily committed to an operation
to build a route across the LOY MANDEH. In the clear
phase, combat engineers provided explosive breaching to
enable B and C Coys 2 SCOTS to break into insurgent
strongholds. Holding work included the reinforcing of these
compounds, the construction of sangers and the provision
of life support.
Route TRIDENT is now being extended across the
Mandeh. The terrain is particularly challenging; plenty of
airborne initiative is required.
The operation is an example
of cooperation of ISAF,
ANSF and the local
community. Sappers are
working alongside a team of
civilian contractors and are
also using Cash for Works to
employ local civilians. ANP
and ANA are manning check
points to minimise disruption
to civilian traffic.
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
C-IED TF
Searchers begin clearance of first of 2
compounds.
Confirmation required for a possible find
within the 1st compound.
Once inside the team start the Interior
compound clearance.
OP OQAB JORAWEL
A Royal Engineer Search Team
recently completed a clearance of
2 compounds in the Lashkar Gar
area. A total of 9 IEDs were found
which were made safe by our IEDD
team. Another successful ten day
task for the CIED TF!
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
Joint Fires Group (7 Para RHA)
A Royal Remembrance for 7 Para RHA
A gun detachment from 7 Para RHA fired at the Remembrance
Service at MOB BASTION; marking the beginning and end of the
two minute silence. Afterwards HRH Prince William met and
spoke with the detachment – no wedding invites were forthcoming
though!
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
WARTHOG Gp (2RTR)
1 Troop continues to provide protection to the Route TRIDENT build. The WHG has proved itself capable in contact and
the Troop is a considerable deterrent against the enemy. Squadron TAC continues to support 1 Troop in LOY ADERA
On the very edge of the UK area 2 Troop patrols daily
to defeat enemy activity. The Tankies fix and disrupt
the insurgents by going everywhere the enemy doesn’t
want to see ISAF troops. They also conduct shuras
and regularly speak to the people at VCPs to reassure
the local population. 2 Troop live in the desert, with
only an occasional move in for a few hours of
maintenance.
TFH KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
MASTIFF Gp (2RTR)
“Mastiff Group: Mission is DEFEAT”. In Nad e Ali Mastiff
has been used aggressively to support the infantry in
defeating the insurgents this week. Mastiff is showcasing
its capacity as an aggressive manoeuvre asset and force
multiplier.
Elsewhere in Helmand the Mastiff groups have been
providing soft effects. Around Lashkar Gah Tank soldiers
have been over-nighting with the ANP, helping to build the
capacity of our allies with reassurance patrols around the
city.
Further work has been done assisting the Royal Engineers
in assessing the state of the waterways in the district.
Further on the theme of aiding the civil power the Mastiff
groups facilitated further wheat distribution efforts on
behalf of the Afghan government. The Tankies ended the
week helping with the security of a rock concert in Lashkar
Gah – an experience not to be missed!
KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
RAF Regiment
51 Sqn RAF Regt capped a successful week
by interdicting and destroying an insurgent
IED cell in their Area of Operations
51 Sqn commenced the handover to 15 Squadron
and started their final week of their tour
KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
Joint Helicopter Force (A)
1310 Flt RAF
Chinooks have
undertaken further
Rotary Wing Air
Dispatch Training.
The week saw a marked decrease
in kinetic activity due to Eid celebrations
KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
14 Sqn Provide Flexible Response
Number 14 Sqn has again
been called upon to support
ISAF and UK ground troops
with a graduated escalation
of force. Shows of Force,
‘low and fast’ overhead
flights, have delivered the
ground commanders intent of
deterring or disrupting
insurgents, but they also
provided direct fire against
enemy forces with strafe
attacks and Dual Mode
Seeker Brimstone missiles.
Additionally this week Troops
in Contact have been
assisted with more firepower
when required with the use
PaveWay IV bombs.
.
KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
Op HERRICK12/13 RiP Draws to an End
HERRICK 12/13 RiP has seen
nearly 24 000 troop-moves over an
intense 2 month period, in order to
keep the TFH Brigade,16 Air
Assault Brigade for Op HERRICK
13, together as a fighting Unit.
Movements have mostly been with
the addition of body armour,
combat helmet, personal individual
weapon and 55 kg of baggage
allowance. When considered that
this achievement is approximately
the relocation of the population
from a town like Thetford or Otley
then the scale of this mammoth
undertaking becomes clear.
.
KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
Force Multiplier of Combat Air Assets
VC 10s from 101 Sqn based from 902 EAW’s Middle Eastern Airbase have had a busy week offloading
fuel to aircraft from numerous coalition forces over Afghanistan. This essential ‘Force-Multiplier’ task has
enabled Combat Aircraft to remain available for longer, and travel further, to assist ISAF and UK ground
troops.
.
KEY ACTIVITY 15 – 21 NOV 10
Reaper targets Insurgents
39 Sqn’s Reapers have continued to provide invaluable ISR over head cover for UK and ISAF ground
troops this week throughout RC(S) and RC(SW). The information gained allows for not only detailed
planning by Ground Commanders, but the Reaper’s ability to dynamically prosecute targets has again
been put in use this week. UK and IASF Troops In Contact benefit from the Reapers impressive direct
fire ability to attack positively identified enemy forces.
.