DEFENCE SECRETARY SEES PROGRESS IN AFGHANISTAN FIRST HAND

30 Sep 2005 12:15 PM

Defence Secretary John Reid today arrived in Afghanistan on the start of a four-day visit to see the UK's contribution to international efforts to create a stable and prosperous future for the country.

The visit is the first opportunity Mr Reid has had to meet and thank UK troops for their valuable role as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)

Today, on the first day of the visit, Mr Reid toured the streets of the capitol with the Kabul Patrol Group (KPC), commanded by Major Marcus Reedman of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles.

The KPC is responsible for helping the Afghans maintain security in three of Kabul's 16 Police Districts and operates in the South-East of the city.

During patrols with the KPC, Mr Reid said:

"The troops in the KPC are doing a tremendous job helping the Afghans maintain security in Kabul. By patrolling on foot and in open top vehicles, and wherever possible mixing with the local population, they are helping to build trust and understanding - giving everyone in the city a chance to rebuild their lives following decades of war.

"As part of the ISAF mission, UK Armed Forces personnel are also involved in training the Afghan National Army, helping to develop a crucial component of Afghanistan's security, now and in the future. I am delighted to see at first hand the very real progress that is being made by UK and international troops on the ground."

Later Mr Reid met troops from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, as well as the 1st Battalion Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Wiltshire Light Infantry.

During his visit Mr Reid will be meeting British and ISAF representatives, as well as senior Afghani Government Ministers to get an in-depth appraisal of the progress being made in country. They will also discuss the enduring relationship between the UK and Afghanistan, and opportunities for further cooperation.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

UK military operations in Afghanistan are currently conducted under the name Operation HERRICK. They have also been conducted under the names Operation VERITAS, Operation FINGAL (ISAF)and Operation TARROCK.

1. Operation JACANA, conducted by 45 Commando Group, included Operations PTARMIGAN, SNIPE, CONDOR and BUZZARD.

2. Afghanistan Roulement Infantry Battalion (ARIB) is currently based on the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles. 2 RGR will roule with the 1st Battalion Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry in October 2005.

The ARIB forms the major part to the UK commitment to Afghanistan and contributes to the multi-national International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The Battalion is involved in a variety of peace support operations in Kabul and in the northern provinces. The task of the ARIB is to assist the Afghan Government in maintaining a stable and secure environment to allow the country to rebuild itself. The ARIB has four main roles:

A. The provision of the KPC;
B. The provision of the provincial Reconstruction Team in Mazar-e Sharif;
C. The provision of a Quick Reaction Company for ISAF's Area North, also based in Mazar-e Sharif, and;
D. The provision of the Afghan National Army Training Team, which is dedicated to NCO training for the Afghan National Army.

3. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT
http://www.operations.mod.uk/afghanistan/index.htm