Hulks cleared from Helmand highway
British soldiers and their Afghan National Army counterparts have overseen the clearance of numerous wrecked vehicles from a major route in Afghanistan's Helmand province.
Afghan contractor clears the rusting hulks of abandoned vehicles from Highway 1, east of Lashkar Gah, Helmand province [Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]
The stretch of Highway 1, east of provincial capital Lashkar Gah, is safer and more presentable thanks to a project instigated by soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh (2 R WELSH) who, along with their Afghan National Army counterparts, are responsible for overseeing security in the area.
The highway and surrounding land had become littered with the hulks of burnt-out and written-off vehicles - remnants of years of war, improvised explosive device blasts and road traffic accidents.
After it was resolved to clear the area, the decision was taken to help boost the local economy by employing a local contractor to carry out the work, rather than employ military labour.
British soldiers from 2 R WELSH were on the scene to oversee the hulks’ removal.
Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel David Eastman, said:
Security has improved markedly along Highway 1 in the past few months due to the establishment of new checkpoints along the route, as well as successful operations into the surrounding area by the Royal Welsh and their Afghan National Army partners.
The hulk removal has not only removed possible sources of cover for insurgent attacks on the road, but will also improve the perception of security for road users and local people.
With these eyesores now gone, the place looks much better. Security has improved on Highway 1 and now it actually looks that way too.