B*N*S*N3

Afghan Army capture suspected insurgents in Helmand

A Military Operations news article

21 May 10

Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers showed their increasing capability to operate independently when 2-3-215 Kandak recently planned and executed two highly successful raids in the Sangin Valley to apprehend eight suspected Taliban insurgents.

Soldiers from 2-3-215 Kandak of the Afghan National Army after the raids to capture suspected insurgents
[Picture: LA(Phot) Si Ethell, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]

40 Commando Battle Group and the Brigade Advisory Group from 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (1 SCOTS) are working closely with the Kandak.

The Advisory Group's Second-in-Command, Captain Ruaraidh Stewart, said:

"This is one of the strongest operations we [the Advisory Group] have seen the Kandak plan and conduct."

He was quick to point out that there was no requirement for the 1 SCOTS Advisory Group to participate in either of the arrest operations. He said:

"Our presence was purely for back-up, which was not needed."

Military intelligence indicated the insurgents were working for the lead Taliban insurgent co-ordinator in Sangin's southern Green Zone area.

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