Afghan National Security Forces formally assumed responsibility for security in Uruzgan province.
The milestone was announced by the Commander of ISAF’s Regional Command South, Major General Paul LaCamera, at a provincial security meeting in Tarin Kot on 3 December.
Major General LaCamera said that it is with great pleasure that he declared the ANSF independent of coalition advisor support.
“This announcement signals the end of ISAF’s Security Forces Assistance mission in Uruzgan,” Major General LaCamera said.
Over the coming weeks the Australian Defence Force will complete its mission in Uruzgan and the majority of our people will return to Australia.
Also attending the ceremony was Amir Mohammad Akhundzada, Governor of Uruzgan, Major General Abdul Hamid, Commander of 205 Corps, and provincial security commanders.
Brigadier General Mohammed Rasul Khan (Kandahari), Commander of Uruzgan’s 4th Brigade 205 Corps, said it was a proud day for his men.
“Today we can stand on our own feet, defend our own country, and secure our people,” Brigadier General Kandahari said.
“The people of Uruzgan will never forget the help of the coalition forces for the rest of their lives.”
Brigadier General Matiullah Khan, Uruzgan Chief of Police, praised the performance of his patrolmen, who he says secure every district centre in the province.
“We have proven this year we can defeat the insurgents.
“A few years ago there was a big gap between the people and the government but now they are close,” Brigadier General Matiullah Khan said.
This announcement comes a year after Afghanistan took the lead for security operations in the province.
Commander of Combined Team Uruzgan, Colonel Wade Stothart said the Afghan forces are ready for this responsibility.
“This year the army and the police have demonstrated they can contain the insurgency and consequently have secured the province,” Colonel Stothart said.
“That’s not to say their battle is over. There is still much to do, but the start is promising.”
Combined Team Uruzgan will conclude its mission in the coming weeks. ISAF will keep a small liaison element at Multi National Base Tarin Kot to maintain situational awareness in the province and assist preparations for the 2014 elections.
