15 Aug 2004

Airlift support for Afghan army News 15/08/2004 - ISAF ISAF Provides Transport Support to ANA Troops Background NATO in Afghanistan The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF) has helped to airlift Afghan national army troops into the Herat Province, where there has been factional fighting. On 15 August, in response to fighting in the western part of the province, the Afghan Minister of Defence requested the assistance of both ISAF and the US-led Enduring Freedom coalition to support the immediate airlift of Afghan National Army troops into the region. High resolution map The troops were airlifted using ISAF C-130 Hercules planes as well as coalition aircraft. The operation significantly enhanced the Government’s ability to respond to the fighting. " Once again, this is an excellent example of the coordination of effort here in Afghanistan and the assistance that can be provided to the Afghan authorities by ISAF and coalition forces", said Lt. General Jean-Louis Py, ISAF Commander. " The willingness of the Government to take charge of the situation and deploy the Afghan National Army forces is noteworthy and speaks directly to the credibility and growing capabilities of the army. In this pre-election period, this unity of effort is paramount and it is a vital tool to enhancing the safety and security of the country."