US Civilian Defense Official Surveys Helmand Security

The US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy James Miller travelled to southern Helmand province on Thursday to meet the governor and discuss security matters.

Miller said that while security in Helmand had improved, the province continued to be a high priority for the US and he wanted to survey the security and reconstruction situation.

"I have come with my team to Helmand province to look at security situation that is here, to meet our forces that are present, and most importantly, to meet with the leaders of Afghanistan and Helmand governor," he said Thursday.

"This is critical as the security responsibility shifts to the Afghans' shoulders in the coming months."

Helmand provincial governor Gholab Mangal said that during the meeting they talked about the matters related to the third phase of security transition, fighting terrorism, and the hurdles faced with the narcotics trade.

"We discussed and shared our ideas on various issues, especially regarding reinforcement of security forces and the National Army for the next ten years," he said. "Overall, the aim of his trip was to see the security situation."

According to the governor, the Miller reiterated the US was committed to helping Afghanistan and Helmand province for the next decade.