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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (March 22, 2008) - Afghan
National Army and police forces, assisted by coalition forces,
destroyed a secondary route March 9 frequently used by insurgents
to move supplies and to launch attacks.
The destruction of the route branching off Highway One will
increase security and economic stability for the local villages of
Takatu and Garnay, Arghandab District, Zabul Province.
The District Chief, Haji Rahmatullah, conducted a jirga with
representatives from both villages to gain their approval before
implementing the route closure.
Rahmatullah said closing the insurgent supply route would
decrease the IED threat and secure Highway One for villagers to use
safely.
"We are excited to have the route blocked because it will stop
the terrorists from beating drivers and forcing them to use their
route so they can toll us," said a Takatu villager.
ANSF blocked the route by using 800 pounds of explosives to
collapse the hillsides bordering the route. To further impede
insurgent movement, Coalition forces also brought additional
truckloads of rubble to be placed on the route. Civilians were
evacuated out of the area to protect them from the blast, according
to a Coalition soldier.
The people all thanked the district chief for his efforts,
according to a Coalition commander in Zabul.
"The destruction of this route will increase economic stability
in the Arghandab River basin because there will be less insurgent
influence over the traffic flow and transportation in the valley,"
the commander said. "This will also encourage the growth of the
Bagh Bazaar and other small shops along the government road."
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