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This Italian patrol is acting on a tip off. They’ve discovered a huge weapons cache
in Bala Baluk district, in the western Afghan province of Farah.
‘We were on patrol in this area, when a local shepherd called us and took us to a
place where a weapon cache was supposed to be hidden.’
The weapons cache consisted of 50 kilogram’s of components used to make improvised explosive
devices, mortar rounds and a significant quantity of ammunition.
The Italian soldiers removed the items and blew them up.
Since 2007, the joint activity carried out by Italian troops and the Afghan National
Security Forces, has frequently interrupted insurgent operations in western Afghanistan.
‘There’s been a significant improvement in the training, equipment and cooperation
with ANSF. Security measures are now higher and the local population feels safe.’
Italy has deployed about 4,200 soldiers in Afghanistan as part of NATO's International
Security Assistance Force. They are mainly based in the less violent
west provinces of Herat and Farah. Italian authorities hail Herat city as a leading
example of the transition process in Afghanistan. ‘Italy really gave real support also in
terms of exchange of experiences and friendship. So there is a real trust within the parties.
We can redeploy from safer areas to invest in other areas in order to speed up the transition.’
Most recently, President Karzai signed a strategic partnership agreement with Italy. Italian
Prime Minister Mario Monti has said Italy will remain committed in assisting Afghanistan
beyond 2014 in areas such as security, economy and development.
It is not clear yet what exact role Italian troops will play in security beyond 2014.
The Italian government is not immune to the defence cuts that are spreading across Europe.
‘The number of soldiers on the field is not going to change, but the involvement of
the indigenous forces is the key element of the transition and for the success of the
operation.’ Alessandro Pavone in Kabul, Afghanistan for
the NATOChannel