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AAF, NATC-A accomplish combat resupply in Kunar Valley

  • Published
  • By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Vladimir Potapenko
  • NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan
KABUL --  The Afghan Air Force, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and NATO Air Training Command-Afghanistan forces, completed a combat resupply mission to Barge Matal in the northern Kunar Valley, April 14, 2011.

In an effort to contribute fresh troops and provisions to the village located near the Afghan/Pakistan border, the mission swapped out 40 members of the Afghan Border Police and delivered over 9,000 kilograms of weapons, ammunition, food and medical supplies.

To assure security in the region seen as vital by Afghan officials, the AAF and other Afghan National Security Forces assets have steadily provided Barge Matal with sufficient combat power. This resupply was the second in as many months.

"Barge Matal needs to be kept under control due to its location to the Pakistani border," said ABP Lt. Col. Atiqullah Torzan, the battalion commander for the 40 men leaving the area. "If not kept in Afghan hands, this zone may become a stepping stone for foreign fighters trying to make their way deeper into Afghanistan."

Not only providing much needed help, the mission successfully tested the AAF's ability to act within the framework of other security forces to accomplish a joint mission in a contested area, said a NATC-A advisor involved with the mission.

"This represents a new chapter for the AAF where combat Airmen can autonomously resupply Afghan ground forces who engage the enemy on a daily basis," said the advisor, who preferred not to be named.

"It is a proud moment as an advisor when you can see your Afghan counterparts transition from doing missions side by side with coalition forces to leading the endeavors," he added.

Just as coalition partners are proud of the AAF's advancement, Afghan Airmen are thankful for the support provided by their NATC-A allies.
"The advisors are doing a great job," said AAF Lt. Col. Bakhtullah Bakhtyar, the lead mission planner and pilot. "Because of them our Airmen are able to do our own missions and protect Afghanistan."

"Personally, I have improved greatly as a pilot due to coalition support," he added.

Yet, however great an accomplishment the mission is seen as, Torzan is quick to point out how that success is only temporary.

"We still need more help. We need even more cooperation between air force and police to protect the region," he said.

"If you leave Barge Matal, you lose Barge Matal," added AAF Maj. Rohullah Sofi, an Mi-17 pilot on the mission.