Sunday, September 18
SCUZBALLS TRY TO SCUTTLE AFGHAN ELECTIONS, WE DON'T LET 'EM
| September 18, 2005 SALERNO , Afghanistan – For the third day in a row, Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and Coalition forces stymied enemy efforts to disrupt elections as Afghan voters filled polling stations in every province today. Afghan National Police, ANA and Coalition forces detained three suspected enemy fighters in Wardak and Ghanzi provinces; discovered and destroyed more than six improvised explosive devices in Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces; fought off direct enemy attacks in Khost, Nangarhar and Paktika provinces; and discovered a weapons cache near the forward operating base at Salerno . ANP, ANA and Coalition forces have continued to work diligently to provide security to more than 6,100 polling sites across the nation. “I am not afraid to go and vote. I want to vote. It is how we can fight this terrorism. I want to be able to choose who represents me in our government,” said Saifullah Haqmal, an Afghan student from Khost province. “I think it is important for everyone to participate in the vote for national and local Parliament. This election will bring a bright future for us.” ANA and ANP are on hand to continue to provide election security until the last Afghan votes. Enemy efforts to disrupt the elections have proven to be insignificant well into the voting period with no reports of effective attacks against polling stations in southeastern Afghanistan . “The success of Afghan elections clearly shows how earnestly Afghan people want a truly free and democratic country. These elections are yet another, powerful reminder, among many I have witnessed, that Afghanistan will not be controlled by the Taliban, Al Qaeda, or other enemy forces,” said Army Lt. Col. Michael Fenzel, deputy commanding officer, Regional Command East. “The ANA and ANP have been inspirational in their efforts to pursue democracy today and courageous in their efforts to prevent attacks in the days and weeks leading up to this historic day.” Weblog LINK |
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