Op Omid Char Ends 26.11.10
2Operation Omid Char has concluded in Afghanistan.
The operation which involved 3rd Brigade, 215th Corps of the Afghan National Army, was supported by 1st Battalion The Irish Guards. Omid Char, which translates as 'Hope Four', aimed to build a better security position in Gereshk and increase the presence of Afghan forces against the Taliban in the area.
The ANA worked alongside the Irish Guards to build Patrol Base Hazrat, which can house up to 100 men. Many IEDs were also detected along the route to the patrol base.
However, the operation was not without tragedy. On 19th October Acting Corporal David Barnsdale from 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) was killed by an explosion whilst clearing IEDs during the operation.
And on 17th November Guardsman Christopher Davies from 1st Battalion The Irish Guards was killed by small arms fire while taking part in a security patrol in Nahr-e Saraj (North) area.
British Forces News reporter Will Inglis reports from Gereshk, where he found that the ANA still have progress to make before they will be able to take the lead.