ISAF and Afghan Leaders Meet in Delaram, Farah Province

By Lance Cpl. Brian D. Jones

DELARAM, Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Force commander U.S. Army Gen. David D. McKiernan and other ISAF leaders met with Afghan officials and community leaders from Farah province at Forward Operating Base Delaram, Afghanistan, April 17, 2009.

The ISAF leaders met with the sub-governors of Bakwa, Delaram and Golestan districts, the mayor of Delaram, Afghan national police officials and local Afghan elders to discuss the progress of ongoing operations and the future of Afghanistan.

The Afghan leaders said they were pleased with the efforts of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan to provide security to the area, and offered suggestions on how ISAF and Afghan security forces can work better together in the future. McKiernan also listened to requests for development projects such as road paving and improved cellular phone service.

The Marines of SPMAGTF-A have been working alongside the Afghan national police and conducting operations with the Afghan national army to ensure security and freedom of movement for the Afghan people. The improved security in the area has enabled the Afghans and Marines to implement several reconstruction projects, including an irrigation project in Golestan, a road improvement project in Delaram and a bazaar clean-up project in Bakwa.

SPMAGTF-A and ISAF support the government of Afghanistan in providing security and services for the Afghan people.