Preparing to head out on patrol in Afghanistan.
More than 10 years after the launch of the war in Afghanistan, U.S. troops in Kunar province head out in search of insurgents near the Pakistan border.
First Platoon Commander Adam Serree.
SOUNDBITE: First Platoon Commander Adam Serree, saying (English):
"Today we're currently conducting a mounted and dismounted patrol in the Shali valley. This valley is known for insurgent activity. What we're doing today is just clearing wadi (valley) systems and interacting with the local populace."
All is quiet as the troops survey the Shali valley.
But an Afghan soldier Alam Gull says the patrols provide comfort to the population.
SOUNDBITE: Afghan soldier Alam Gull, saying (Pashto):
"If we don't patrol this area the enemy will expand their presence here, putting bombs under the bridges and hospital. Of course the villagers don't want this."
After a decade of war and billions of dollars Afghanistan is still desperately poor and battling a worsening insurgency.
The United States will withdraw 10,000 troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year and 23,000 more by next summer.
The United States and NATO are working toward handing over security to full Afghan control by the end of 2014.
Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters
