Ministry of Defence
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UK force laydown changes in Central Helmand
British forces in Afghanistan will hand control of the town of Musa Qaleh in northern Helmand Province to other ISAF forces over the coming weeks. The reconfiguration, ordered by ISAF commanders, will better support General McChrystal's strategy aimed at winning over the civilian population by protecting them from Taliban insurgents.
Under the current laydown of forces in Helmand, British forces are responsible for the protection of 70 per cent of the population with only 30 per cent of coalition troops. The rebalancing of forces will improve the ratio of ISAF and Afghan troops to civilians across Helmand's main areas of population. This has been made possible by the significant increase of ISAF forces in Helmand from around 7,700 in 2009 to over 20,000.
Around 500 UK personnel who have been based in Musa Qaleh will redeploy to thicken and deepen the British presence in Central Helmand. This will allow them to better protect the population while accelerating the growth of Afghan security forces.
The UK will remain the lead for reconstruction, building on the progress that has already been made by the stabilisation efforts and will now be militarily supported by US Marine Corps who will build on the foundations of success that successive British brigades have achieved.
Major General Nick Carter, Commander, Regional Command South said:
"The arrival of the first force package ordered by President Obama prior to Christmas last year enabled Regional Command (South) to mount Operation Moshtarak. It now allows us to rebalance all our forces to achieve much improved force densities in Central Helmand delivering better protection of the Afghan people and support to governance. As part of this force balancing, the final unit of force package one will take over Musah Qalah releasing a British battle group to Central Helmand. This move has been made possible not just by the uplift of forces but also by the improving situation in Now Zad and Musa Qaleh."
Secretary of State, Bob Ainsworth said:
"Since British forces entered Musa Qaleh in 2006, there is no doubt that the town has changed for the better. This is down to the dedication of successive brigades whose courage and professionalism, alongside that of their Afghan counterparts and other ISAF partners, has enabled the district centre to flourish and improve the lives of the people who live there. They should be very proud of the progress that has been made.
"We must never forget the 23 brave service personnel who gave their lives to make Musa Qaleh an area in which Afghans can go about their daily lives in security and under strong, stable governance.
"It is essential that ISAF forces of all nationalities build upon the momentum created by General McChrystal's plan and the early successes of Operation Moshtarak. There is now a unity of purpose and the resources to deliver real and lasting change in Afghanistan so it can stand on its own two feet and never again become a haven for international terrorism."
UK forces first deployed to Musa Qaleh in summer 2006 since when dramatic progress has been made. Insurgent activity in the district centre has been contained and greater security has been brought to the area - a direct result of the developing partnership between UK and the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police.
Major Gule Ahmad, Planning Officer for the 3rd Kandak, the ANA unit based in Musa Qaleh said:
"In two years we have seen more promotion of security in Musa Qaleh. If you go to another districts in Helmand province they have two to three kilometres of domination but in Musa Qaleh we occupy the whole of Musa Qaleh. If you want to go south or north there are no problems for you so you can travel."
Governance, healthcare, education and employment have all improved and there has been a tangible increase in commercial activity in the Bazaar and Livestock market.
Mike McKie, Foreign Office Stabilisation Officer said:
"We're building government offices that will accommodate the full 'TASHGIL' which is Pashtu for the government staff that are required. This will be enough space for the various ministries including the local administration to carry out their functions. This will be quite a major project due to start in April. That's giving daily employment to a team of 170 local people, dismantling the dilapidated former government building, and they're going at a rapid rate, it's as if they're as anxious as we are to put in the civic infrastructure. Coupled with this there is to be a significant infrastructure project which will create a Mosque sufficient for 800 worshippers.
"2,300 children are now attending regular education, where just over two years ago there was none. That's fairly significant when we consider the population of Musa Qaleh, by best estimates it is in the region of 65,000"
Speaking ahead of the handover, Lt Col Harry Fullerton, Commanding O HCR said;
"The important thing to stress is that what they are taking over is a British success story, British battle group's have been here over the past years and they have progressively expanded the area of governance, it hasn't been without its cost but it has been a cost worth making in order to deliver success for the British Army, the British Government and most importantly the people of Afghanistan."
ENDS
Contacts:
Ministry of Defence
NDS.MOD@coi.gsi.gov.uk
