VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBUL #0601 0490909
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 180909Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY KABUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5675
INFO RUCNAFG/AFGHANISTAN COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS KABUL 000601 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR SRAP, SCA/FO, SCA/A, EUR/RPM 
STATE PASS TO AID FOR ASIA/SCAA 
USFOR-A FOR POLAD 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL MOPS PGOV EAID AF
 
SUBJECT:  OPERATION MOSHTARAK - SITUATIONAL REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 17, 
2010 
 
REF: (A) KABUL 590, (B) KABUL 582, (C) KABUL 567, (D) KABUL 554, (E) 
KABUL 543, (F) KABUL 466, (G) KABUL 115, (H) 09 KABUL 4187 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary.  Operations in Nad Ali District continued on 
February 17 and Governor Mangal paid his first visit to Marjah with 
ISAF military leadership.  High numbers of improvised explosive 
devices (IEDs) challenge progress in the operational area but the 
District Stabilization Team (DST) hopes to move into Marjah in the 
near future.  Deputy District Governor Haji Zahir returned to 
Lashkar Gah and was updated on the stabilization program and held 
talks with Mangal.  Local residents continue to express strong 
support for ISAF operations across Nad Ali.  End Summary. 
 
¶2. (SBU) Large numbers of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) 
continue to challenge progress across Nad Ali and fighting 
intensified in northern Nad Ali.  Units continued to advance but 
enemy forces continued to offer resistance across the district. 
This is a situational update for the happenings in Nad Ali district 
for February 17, 2010. 
 
POLITICAL UPDATE 
---------------- 
 
¶3. (SBU) Governor Mangal paid his first visit to Marjah with RC-S 
Commander, Major General Carter, the U.S. Marine Commander, 
Brigadier General Nicholson, and General Za Zai (205 Commander Hero 
Corps of the ANA).  The Governor landed in Wakil Wazer Charayai, met 
the Afghan National Army (ANA) and then drove a short distance to 
Loya Charayai, where he met the local elders, ANA and ANCOP police. 
The elders were happy to receive the Governor and all expressed 
support for the ongoing clearance operation.  The Governor praised 
the Afghan security forces and Marines and thanked them all for 
their hard work. 
 
¶4. (SBU) Marjah Sub-District Governor Haji Zahir traveled to Lashkar 
Gah and met with PRT staff and was updated on the stabilization 
program.  He then met with Governor Mangal and other members of the 
Provincial Government and all agreed that Zahir and his group should 
move into Marjah and soon as possible.  Zahir agreed and is prepared 
to move his team into the Marjah area in the next few days, if 
conditions on the ground warrant. 
 
MEDIA UPDATE 
------------ 
 
¶5. (SBU) Governor Mangal continues to conduct numerous interviews on 
the operation, and he held a short media update after his visit to 
Marjah. 
 
IDP UPDATE 
---------- 
 
¶6. (SBU) As of February 17, the Helmand Department of Refugees and 
Repatriation report that a total of 1550 families have registered in 
Lashkar Gah, with 196 registered today.  Of this total, 850 families 
have asked for humanitarian assistance, such as ration cards and 
supplies. 
 
Comment 
------- 
 
¶7. (SBU) Governor Mangal remains fully engaged on the operation and 
is working closely with all the units involved.  He was pleased with 
his visit today to Marjah and looks forward to the arrival of Afghan 
district government officials in the province.