UZBIN VALLEY, Afghanistan – Commandos from the Afghan National Army’s 1st Company, 201st Commando Kandak, recently completed a three-day combat reconnaissance patrol in the Uzbin Valley, Tag Ab District, Kapisa Province, along with ANA units from Surobi and Uzbin, Kabul Province, and Coalition forces, Jan. 2.
 The purpose of the patrol was to search for insurgent activity and to show residents of the valley their safety and security are important to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. 
 “The Commandos moved by vehicle and on foot, enduring bitterly cold temperatures and traversing the rugged Afghan terrain, searching for Taliban insurgents suspected of operating in the valley,” explained the Commando company commander. 
Navigating the narrow and treacherous route to the furthest point in the valley, the Commandos made their way to the village of Akakhel.  The villagers welcomed the Commandos, inviting them into their homes for a meal.  Elders from nearby villages came to meet the Commando company commander and conduct a Shura regarding the situation in the valley.  At the meeting, the commander stressed the commitment of the ANSF to provide security to the populace.
After meeting with village elders, the Commandos showed their thanks by passing out supplies to help the valley residents survive the harsh Afghan winter.  The villagers were happy to receive winter jackets, boots, blankets and charcoal.  Villagers in need also received rice, beans and flour.  Children received toys, crayons and notebooks.
“This operation shows the ANSF’s commitment to the people of Afghanistan, by not only providing security, but also providing for their needs,” explained Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman.
 “The newly-formed Commando units signify the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s steadfast endeavor to meet the enemies of peace and prosperity head-on, with the most elite fighting force in the country,” stated Belcher. 
 As the Commandos left the valley, they noticed a vehicle in a ditch near a sharp turn in the mountain pass.  The Commandos spent the next two hours assisting the driver, a local villager, get back on the road safely.  The man was grateful and thanked the Commandos for their assistance. 
 “The operation by the 201st Commandos was one of a multitude of ANSF operations planned throughout the winter to relentlessly pursue insurgent activity, ensuring security for the Afghan people,” Belcher said.