DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 033/10
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Special Operations Task Group discuss future with Afghan elders
The Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) with their Afghan partner
force have facilitated a major gathering (shura) of village elders and religious leaders
in Chenartu, north-east of Tarin Kowt, as part of their current focus on reaching out to
Afghan communities across Oruzgan province.
During the meeting, village leaders and representatives were consulted to gain an
understanding from the community of their key needs and ideas for development
proposals. With a force including Australian Defence Force (ADF) medics and
coalition aid agency representatives (who work closely with AusAID staff in
Oruzgan), the Special Operations Task Group explored all opportunities to engage the
community.
The Commanding Officer of the SOTG, whose name can not be disclosed for security
reasons, said: “We continue to reap the significant benefits of our combined
operations with our Afghan partners, particularly when engaging the local population.
Our partner force bring with them a unique understanding of local conditions.
Conducting these operations in close cooperation with our partner force allows us
greater clarity and understanding of the community’s needs.”
The Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans, accompanied by the
commander of Australian forces in the Middle East, Major General John Cantwell,
witnessed first-hand the population centric operations conducted by the SOTG
soldiers. Both spoke with Chenartu locals participating in the shura, which was
attended by 150 members of the community.
Lieutenant General Evans said the shura was a clear indication that there was strong
support for the International Security Assistance Force. “The large number of leaders
and religious representatives here is an important sign that community confidence is
growing. They said to me they were committed to the defeat of the Taliban.”
Alongside the shura, a clinic run by the Special Forces medics provided treatment to
over 200 people throughout the day. “These events are critical in gaining the trust of
local communities,” the Commanding Officer of the SOTG said.
“To be able to sit among the people, to hear their problems and ideas for the future, to
witness the community spirit and the confidence of the locals, is to really appreciate
that there is significant progress being achieved in local communities having the
confidence to take ownership of and address their current and future challenges.
DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
“The work of the Australian forces continues to build strong relationships in Oruzgan
and I am confident that we are on track with our mentoring work and security
operations, operating within the community and protecting the people from the fear
and intimidation of the Taliban,.”
Lieutenant General Mark Evans said at the end of
the visit.
Media note: Still imagery will be available at:
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
