| (partly Google translation)
[XXXttp://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/Internationella-insatser/Afghanistan--Isaf/Nyheter/Dramatisk-stridssituation-nar-tysk-officer-stupade/]
Afghanistan
Nearly 2000 of Afghan Army soldiers have been for two weeks, with support from ISAF, conducted a major operation in the province of Baghlan. The area of operation has long been plagued by ethnic conflict in which various factions fought for power. Insurgents captured two bridges lately and have thus been able to control the attack traffic and which ones to get movement in the area.
Several contacts battle this week
It has been a complex task to regain control. On several occasions, the Swedish-Finnish units got into a fight. Planted roadside bombs (IEDs) have also led to the jerk units received with great caution. No Swedish or Finnish soldiers injured during the operation.
Swedish-Finnish units saved lives
At the beginning of the operation were killed and injured a large number of ISAF troops in two separate attacks. In the first incident killed four German soldiers and five were injured, two of them difficult. Two Swedish mobile medical teams were on site early after the attack. They were protected by skyttekompaniet when the area came under fire by the advancing rebels.
A Swedish surgical teams conducted from four operations, two of which were life saving.
In another event, later that day, Taliban attacked a German medical unit. The attack killed a German officer. When the Swedish units from skyttekompaniet arrived on the scene were the first to beat back the attack. The next stage was a rescue operation at the excluded vehicle.
- Our soldiers have repeatedly been in tight situations, although it has the execution of their duties in a very professional manner, "said Colonel Ari Grönros has been head of the Swedish-Finnish units in the area.
Death threats from insurgents
The civilian population in Baghlan testify that they had received death threats and been under pressure not to cooperate with the Afghan Government and ISAF. Threats to civilians is a common tactic when rebels seeking to exercise control. Proceeds from the villages are subject to the rebels used to continue to build criminal networks in other parts of Afghanistan.
Joint Operation
Swedish-Finnish units became involved in early planning for the operation, which is one of the biggest carried out in recent years in the northern area. Baghlanområdet located in a sector where the German ISAF units are responsible. When the operation was planned by the Afghan army and ISAF was decided that the Swedish-Finnish units were needed to support the operation. Nearly ten nations have contributed in any way during the operation, including the American units.
- ISAF supports the Afghan security forces are active. Baghlan not belong to our tasks, but task demands that we can and will support in other parts of the region, "said Colonel Christer Tistam head of FS 18th
Rebels gave up
After more than a week came reports that the insurgents fled the area. It also occurred to armed groups gave up and submitted their weapons for the Afghan security forces. Now reinforce Afghan security through increased presence in the area. These include several bases to make it difficult for insurgents to return.
As security improves, civilian re-development become possible.
*Skyttekompaniet = Rifle coy
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