British troops struggle to win trust of Afghan villagers
A town which suffered vicious Taliban repercussions after British troops briefly occupied it a year ago has refused to endorse the military's presence until security is guaranteed.
Initially the population of Naqilebad Kulay welcomed the large force of British and Afghan soldiers when they landed outside the town at the start of Operation Moshtarak nearly a week ago. More than 200 people walk them down the high street in scenes reminiscent of liberation.
But then memories returned to just over a year ago when the Royal Marines fought their way through the town to rid it of the Taliban. They only remained for a few days before leaving as there were not enough troops in the Helmand to contain the central area.
The Taliban retaliated against "collaborators".
"Before the British promised to bring in security but within two or three days they had left. The Taliban came back in and killed the people who co-operated with British troops," said Shah Mohammed, 40, on one of the landowners.
The news comes as reports from the Marjah area, where US Marines have experienced sustained Taliban resistance, have said civilians are being used as human shields to fight off the attack.
Insurgents are firing at troops from compound where women and children appear to have been ordered to stand on a roof or in a window, said Gen. Mohiudin Ghori, the brigade commander for Afghan troops in Marjah.
"They are trying to get us to fire on them and kill the civilians," he added.
Following the launch of 15,000 troops on the assault, a force of more than 300 British and Afghans, including national police, will remain in the area.
But the locals still remained unconvinced about promises until they see tangible evidence.
"If we see Isaf (International Security Assistance Force) staying here then we will join with you," Shah Mohammed said. "If there is security then our sons will join the police and army." During a meeting outside the main mosque the village elder wagged his finger at both British and Afghan officers saying the people could only "work together" if the military guaranteed security.
"They people are scared for their lives that you will leave again," he said.
The senior British officer present assured the elders that his force was "here to stay".
"We are here to keep the Taliban out. Our main aim is to protect the people of Naqilebad and as a demonstration of this we will build check points," said Major Shon Hackney, A Company commander of the Royal Welsh, the battalion protecting the northern Nad-e-Ali area.
Lt James Dott, 26, in charge of the Royal Welsh force that is securing the town, said it was a struggle to reassure people they would stay permanently.
"After what happened last time people are wary that we are not going to stay "They have been suggesting to us that now the Taliban will come back and hurt them for collaborating with Isaf.
"All the people want is security so that they can work in the fields without fear of being hit by exchanges of gunfire." A race is now on for the British forces to secure roads in order to allow in heavy engineer equipment to start building bases and checkpoints in the area.
Once they begin it is likely that the population will realise that this time the force is there to stay.
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