2012-02-CA-009
Story by Lt. (OF1) Tomas Pakalniskis Lithuanian Army

KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 22, 2012) – ISAF units rescued 14 Afghan National Police early this morning in a remote area of Ghor Province after the police unit became stranded due to extreme weather conditions. One member of the group died prior to being rescued.

Battling record-low temperatures for five days with little food, water and no shelter, the trapped ANP were eventually able to request ISAF support to rescue them. ISAF units immediately responded with helicopters and supplies.

“We mourn the loss of one of our Afghan brothers, but at the same time are thankful to assist the others who were trapped in a very critical situation,” said Gen. John R. Allen, commander, International Security Assistance Force.

 A group of local Afghan families in a nearby village assisted the stranded police by providing them food, water and shelter. After rendering medical aid to the policemen, coalition forces in turn replenished the families’ dwindling stocks of food and water resulting from their supporting the stranded ANP.

 “We are grateful to those compassionate and dutiful Afghan citizens who selflessly provided assistance to their countrymen in their time of need,” Allen added. “These are the reasons why — after having been shoulder to shoulder with the Afghans for such a long time — that we believe in their people, in their spirit and in this country; and it’s events like this that energize us all to seize every opportunity to help the Afghans reach a positive future.”