Defenders’ of Kandahar Praised By U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker

Kandahar, October 29, 2011 —

U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker greets civilian personnel at the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team in Kandahar, Afghanistan on Saturday, October 29, 2011.

For immediate release

U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan C. Crocker visited the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team (KPRT) and Camp Nathan Smith today, just two days after KPRT endured a sustained assault.  Ambassador Crocker’s trip, scheduled before the attack took place, is part of his regular outreach to field personnel. The visit took on new significance after the attack on October 27, 2011. 

Ambassador Crocker expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured during the attack, and praised the coalition and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) who responded promptly and professionally to the attack. 

“Your actions have saved lives,” said Ambassador Crocker to the audience gathered at Camp Nathan Smith.  “You have left no doubt for the people of Kandahar who are the attackers and who are the defenders.”

The KPRT reflects a productive civilian-military partnership echoed throughout Afghanistan. The U.S. stands with the Afghan people and their government in pursuing the mutual goal of a stable and prosperous Afghanistan. The ANSF response to the complex attack reflects their consistently increasing capability as they become ready to take over full responsibility for security in Afghanistan.