Garmsir District Governor Mohammad Fahim speaks to

Garmsir District Governor Mohammad Fahim speaks to a crowd of approximately 200 elders, Afghan military leaders and U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, during a shura here, Feb. 23. Fahim asked the elders for help in growing the Afghan Local Police program, and urged them to cease illicit poppy growth in their villages. In response to their requests for school, clinic and road construction, Fahim implored the elders to support Afghan-led security efforts. “The most important thing we need in Garmsir is security,” Fahim said. “Without it, we won’t be able to complete these development projects.” Several key Afghan military leaders also spoke during the shura, including Afghan National Army Lt. Col. Haji Mohammad, the commanding officer of Garmsir’s newest ANA battalion — 6th Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps. Mohammad spoke about his kandak’s success in securing neighboring Marjah district and shared his intent for achieving the same Afghan-led security in Garmsir.