Insurgents Attack Children Accepting Medical Assistance, Shoes From ANA Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force

Afghanistan Public Affairs
Posted: 11.10.2009 05:41

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – During a routine patrol in Khakrez, the Afghan national army, assisted by coalition forces, stopped near the Khakrez district center to distribute shoes to local children, Nov. 5. Several ANA soldiers were helping toddlers try on shoes when a mortar round exploded close to their position. The ANA soldiers promptly responded ensuring the safety of the children while investigating the area where the round was believed to have originated.

While no one was injured during the attack, the village elder told the ANA commander the insurgents were attacking because they were receiving humanitarian assistance from the government of the Republic of Afghanistan. While the villagers were shaken from the attack, the elder asked the ANA to stay and continue providing assistance to the children. Although this act could prompt another attack from enemy fighters, the village elder insisted he had complete faith in the ANA to provide security for the villagers.

The invitation for the ANA to remain in the village contributed to GIRoA legitimacy in the eyes of the villagers and the enemy fighters. Although insurgents have occupied this village by brute force in the past, the ANA has pledged to provide security throughout Khakrez and deny enemy fighters access to this region.