URUZGAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – General Stanley McChrystal, Commander of the International Security Assistance Force, visited soldiers and officials from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Uruzgan Province on November 11.
During his visit, General McChrystal met with Assadulah Hamdam, the Governor of Uruzgan, and together they opened a bridge in Tarin Kowt, the capital of Uruzgan.
The new bridge spans the Teri Rud River. Afghans built it with funding assistance from ISAF. The bridge provides better access to Tarin Kowt for people who live north of the city. As a result, the population will have better access to healthcare, education, and commerce. The bridge is a vast improvement over the previously-used ford, which was impassable for nearly three months every year because of high water levels.
The ceremony opening the bridge began with a prayer by a local mullah. Following the prayer, General McChrystal said, "Protecting the population demands safety, but safety is impossible without improving government and development. What we see today is a very good example of this approach."
During his visit to Uruzgan, General McChrystal also visited ISAF and Afghan National Army soldiers at Patrol Base Mirwais in Chora, Fire Base Cobra in Chahar Chinez District and Forward Operating Base Camp Hadrian near Deh Rawod.
Contact Information ISAF Public Affairs Office
Tel: +93 (0)799 51 1155 - Mobile: 0093 (0) 799 55 8291 pressoffice@hq.isaf.nato.int - www.nato.int/isaf/
