BAGRAM, Afghanistan -- Soldiers from 10th Mountain Division (LI) and other coalition partners met with Afghan civil and military leaders to discuss security and intelligence planning, sharing and implementation around Bagram Airfield and the surrounding communities.
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey L. Bannister, Bagram Airfield commander, hosted the event, which was conducted at the Afghan and Coalition Jirga Center on the airfield. The provincial governor, district governors and more than 50 Afghan military and police senior officials and staff attended the half-day event.
The officials discussed topics across the intelligence spectrum and focused on ways to improve information sharing and actions on creditable threats to both security forces and the civilian population.
"As U.S. forces plan to right size and de-scope across Afghanistan leading into 2017, it is important that here in Parwan and the Bagram area that we are sharing information and working together to safeguard Bagram Airfield," Bannister said. "We cannot do it alone, and we need to continue to support each other for security matters surrounding the ground defense area."
Parwan Provincial Governor Mohammad Asim thanked his Afghan and coalition partners for their hard work, sacrifice and commitment to the people of Parwan and asked for further coordination and sharing of information and resources moving forward.
"We are committed to fulfill our obligations outlined in the strategic partnership agreement and bilateral security agreement with the United States," Asim said. "We are looking forward to continued support from international partners, more particularly from the United States."
Provincial Chief of Police Brig. Gen. Zaman spoke about the need for greater local police involvement and support from the Afghan government and the coalition, making a plea to coalition officials to greater assist and fund local police in order to enhance security within the Bagram area overall.
"If it is not feasible to receive arms and ammunitions from the United States or partners, I recommend that you support us by providing logistical material for local police in the Bagram district," Zaman said. "This will enhance security around (the airfield) and in Bagram overall."
Bannister was quick to point out some of the recent success stories of information sharing and defensive patrols that have directly resulted in the prevention of improvised explosive and direct fire attacks along Afghan security force routes as well the prevention of several indirect fire attacks against the airfield.
Mujib Shoresh, senior member of Parwan Provincial Council, stated his concerns about the growing threat in the Parwan and Bagram area, by not just the Taliban but other irresponsible armed groups that pose an equal or greater threat. Both Afghan and coalition intelligence officials agreed to work together to identify and track these individuals and to turn over the information to Afghan security officials for any appropriate action.
After intelligence updates by officers of both the coalition and the Afghan National Directorate of Security, all participants joined together for a traditional meal to further discuss details in small groups and share email and telephone contact information with each other.
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