Afghan, Coalition Doctors Treat More Than 400 in Qalat

Two local physicians, Afghan National Army and Police doctors, and a coalition medical team treated more than 400 men, women and children in their one-day visit. A dental hygiene clinic also provided care to more than 215 people, including more than 130 women. Even 60 head of livestock benefited from the team's visit.

As the word spread and the crowd grew throughout the day, the army successfully controlled the crowed and access to the clinic.

Equipped to provide only primary care services, the doctors referred emergency cases to the Qalat hospital. Surgeons from the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, are planning to conduct minor surgeries, officials said.

"Our efforts here will show the people the benefits of what peace brings, the growing capabilities of this new Afghan government, and will advertise a new hospital scheduled to open soon," said Army Maj. Jerome Austin, civil affairs officer for 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion.

Blankets, food and water were also provided.

In other news from Afghanistan, coalition aircraft flew 22 close-air-support and armed-reconnaissance sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on Oct. 2, U.S. Central Command Air Forces Forward officials reported today. These missions included support to coalition and Afghan troops, reconstruction activities, and the conduct-of-presence route patrols.

U. S. Air Force A-10s and French Air Force M-2000s provided close-air support to coalition troops in the vicinities of Kandahar, Orgun-E, Oruzgan and Tarin Kowt.

In addition, six U.S. and French Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. British Royal Air Force fighter aircraft also performed in a non-traditional ISR role.

(Compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan and U.S. Central Command Air Forces Forward news releases.)