Helmand operation demonstrated ANSF professionalism: RS

KABUL), the Resolute Support (RS) mission on Saturday said the anti-militants campaign in northern Helmand province demonstrated the strength and emerging capabilities of ANSF.

The Resolute Support in its detailed statement said the ANSF ability to plan and execute complex, joint, multi-ministry operations would serve Afghanistan now and throughout fighting season in 2015 and beyond.

 According to the statement while the overall level of violence in Afghanistan decreased by approximately 29% in 2014 compared to 2013, high-profile attacks have increased approximately 18% – particularly in Kabul.

The Taliban, the statement said, and other insurgent groups continued their campaign of indiscriminate violence against civilians by using low-risk, high-profile attacks that caused significant casualties and garnered media attention.

The United Nations in its 2014 Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict report stated 72% of all civilian casualties were caused by the Taliban and other anti-government elements.

 “Currently there are approximately 173,000 soldiers, airmen, and Ministry of Defence (MoD) civilians serving in the Army; approximately 154,000 policemen and civilians serving in the Ministry of Interior (MoI); and more than 28,000 MoI Afghan Local Police (ALP) securing villages across Afghanistan,” the statement added.

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