OPERATION MOSHTARAK - SITUATIONAL REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 17,

UNCLAS KABUL 000601 DEPARTMENT FOR SRAP, SCA/FO, SCA/A, EUR/RPM STATE PASS TO AID FOR ASIA/SCAA USFOR-A FOR POLAD SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MOPS PGOV EAID AF SUBJECT: OPERATION MOSHTARAK - SITUATIONAL REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 17, 2010 REF: (A) KABUL 590, (B) KABUL 582, (C) KABUL 567, (D) KABUL 554, (E) KABUL 543, (F) KABUL 466, (G) KABUL 115, (H) 09 KABUL 4187 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. Operations in Nad Ali District continued on February 17 and Governor Mangal paid his first visit to Marjah with ISAF military leadership. High numbers of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) challenge progress in the operational area but the District Stabilization Team (DST) hopes to move into Marjah in the near future. Deputy District Governor Haji Zahir returned to Lashkar Gah and was updated on the stabilization program and held talks with Mangal. Local residents continue to express strong support for ISAF operations across Nad Ali. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Large numbers of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) continue to challenge progress across Nad Ali and fighting intensified in northern Nad Ali. Units continued to advance but enemy forces continued to offer resistance across the district. This is a situational update for the happenings in Nad Ali district for February 17, 2010. POLITICAL UPDATE -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Governor Mangal paid his first visit to Marjah with RC-S Commander, Major General Carter, the U.S. Marine Commander, Brigadier General Nicholson, and General Za Zai (205 Commander Hero Corps of the ANA). The Governor landed in Wakil Wazer Charayai, met the Afghan National Army (ANA) and then drove a short distance to Loya Charayai, where he met the local elders, ANA and ANCOP police. The elders were happy to receive the Governor and all expressed support for the ongoing clearance operation. The Governor praised the Afghan security forces and Marines and thanked them all for their hard work. ¶4. (SBU) Marjah Sub-District Governor Haji Zahir traveled to Lashkar Gah and met with PRT staff and was updated on the stabilization program. He then met with Governor Mangal and other members of the Provincial Government and all agreed that Zahir and his group should move into Marjah and soon as possible. Zahir agreed and is prepared to move his team into the Marjah area in the next few days, if conditions on the ground warrant. MEDIA UPDATE -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Governor Mangal continues to conduct numerous interviews on the operation, and he held a short media update after his visit to Marjah. IDP UPDATE -------------- ¶6. (SBU) As of February 17, the Helmand Department of Refugees and Repatriation report that a total of 1550 families have registered in Lashkar Gah, with 196 registered today. Of this total, 850 families have asked for humanitarian assistance, such as ration cards and supplies. Comment -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Governor Mangal remains fully engaged on the operation and is working closely with all the units involved. He was pleased with his visit today to Marjah and looks forward to the arrival of Afghan district government officials in the province.