07 June 2010

Progress in Helmand? Police are the Problem?

A good article from the MoD talks about progress and problems in parts of Helmand province.

Senior British officers who were commanding troops in Afghanistan last winter have spoken of the progress made in key areas of Helmand province despite the difficulties of tackling the insurgency in the Sangin area. Report by Sharon Kean.

The Commanding Officers also spoke about the lack of trust of Afghan people in their local security forces, but added that significant progress was made during their six months in theatre in developing the Afghan security forces which has been helped by the opening of the new police training facility in Helmand province.

The officers were addressing the media at a briefing session in Pirbright yesterday.

Brigadier James Cowan, who led 11 Light Brigade through six tough months from October last year, spoke of a lack of trust in homegrown security forces, in particular the police. He said:

"Often captured Taliban would mention during interviews the police as a principal reason for having joined the insurgency in the first place."


By: Brant

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