From the 'stan - Photo's and Article

By Jennifer Hlad

I got a new press release from the MEU today.
The Marines are still working to clear routes in Helmand province; however, they noted that everyone is supporting those operations, but not every Marine from the MEU is actually in Helmand province.
Here are some of the key developments they noted:

The Marines have discovered 9 caches. The caches contained variations of mines, rocket propelled grenades, mortars, and IED making materials.

Marines have identified and control detonated 4 IEDs.

The Marines have discovered and destroyed several fortified enemy positions.

On two occasions, Afghan citizens brought children to the Marines for medical treatment. The Marines provided medical care for and evacuated two children: one was an 11 year-old boy with abdominal wounds which his father said was inflicted by insurgents and one was a child with third degree burns from boiling water.

Leading up to operations in Garmsir, the Marines successfully ran more than 20 convoys up to distances of 100 miles. This was done across a land riddled with mines, IEDs and hostile terrain.

“The insurgents are finding that every time they engage with the Marines, they lose,” said Col. Peter Petronzio, commander of the 24th MEU. “The Marines are gaining ground every day and secure more of the routes through the district. The support we have received from our allied partners has contributed to our many successes thus far.”

Photos taken by Cpl. Andrew Carlson and Cpl. Alex Guerra