Protecting the democratic process in Afghanistan 13.09.2005 The Afghan people will reach another crucial milestone in their pursuit of democracy on September 18 th, 2005. On this historic day, they will return to the polls to elect their Parliament and they are counting on soldiers like the ones at Task Force Kabul to provide the security required in and around the city so they can take part in the democratic process safely. With the upcoming National Afghanistan Parliamentary Election just around the corner, Canadian soldiers declared to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) are keeping a watchful eye for any suspect activities in their area of operations. Lieutenant-Colonel Lowell Thomas, Commanding Officer of Task Force Kabul, is the Officer in charge of coordinating the Canadian security effort in support of ISAF and ultimately, the Government of Afghanistan. To do this, he disposes of a well-trained and cohesive group of soldiers and officers with equipment that is the envy of other NATO countries. "The technical capabilities of our Coyote vehicles combined with the mobility of our LAVIIIs and LUVWs make us very effective when it comes to being the eyes and ears of the Kabul Multinational Brigade", said LCol Thomas. "My soldiers are experienced in coalition operations and certainly very respected by the other nations that form the coalition". Afghanistan's full and sustained recovery is the key to eliminating the regional threat of terrorism and achieving greater international security and stability. Canada can provide important support to Afghanistan as it works toward building a stable and secure environment. The successful conduct of the parliamentary elections on 18 September is an important step in improving security and stability throughout the country. Although meaningful and lasting progress has been made over the last three years to make Afghanistan more secure, the situation remains tenuous and can be volatile at times throughout the country. LCol Thomas does not deny there could be spikes of violence erupting throughout his area of operations, especially as the election date draws near. "There are some who would love to disrupt the democratic process in Afghanistan as its success would mean a major decrease in their power base", Thomas mentions. "My soldiers have received intense training the last few months and they remain vigilant and they are ready to respond should they be required to do so". Thomas' soldiers are scheduled to conduct operations in Kabul in support of ISAF until mid-October, or 30 days after the election. After they cease operating under their NATO flag, they will be re-assigned to providing security for the upcoming movement of Canadian Forces personnel and equipment to Kandahar, where Canada's Provincial Reconstruction Team is already conducting operations. Camp Julien is scheduled to close by the end of November of this year. TFK is the Canadian manoeuvre element in the Kabul area of operations. It is composed of an armoured reconnaissance squadron (D Squadron) from the Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD), from CFB Petawawa; an Engineer Squadron (24 Fd Sqn) from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment (2 CER), also from Petawawa; and a Company in charge of providing force protection (Gulf Coy) from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (2 RCR), from Gagetown, NB. Canada's contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) is called Operation ATHENA. The goal of this NATO-led, United Nations (UN)-authorized mission is to provide a safe and secure environment in Kabul and its surrounding areas so the Government of Afghanistan and UN agencies can continue rebuilding the country. ISAF currently comprises approximately 9,000 troops from 38 contributing nations. There are approximately 1,000 Canadian Forces (CF) personnel deployed on Operation ATHENA. About 750 are located at Camp Julien in Kabul and about 250 additional CF members located elsewhere in the Arabian Gulf region from where they are providing support to our CF assets in Afghanistan. By Major Dany Laferrière Major Laferrière is currently serving in Kabul as the Senior Public Affairs Officer with Task Force Afghanistan Headquarters << | >> |
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