Government control restored in Khan Neshin

Camp Leatherneck, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Marines and Afghan National Police have restored government control in Khan Neshin, Marine officials say.

The restoration came as part of Operation Khanjar, which was designed to provide stable conditions for the Afghan people by disrupting insurgents' lines of communication and freedom of movement in Hemland province, according to a press release from MEB-Afghanistan.

Approximately 500 Marines from 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, from Camp Lejeune, have moved into the Khan Neshin area of the Rig District, near the part of the Helmand River known as "The Fishhook."

This is the first time coalition forces have had a sustained presence so far south in the Helmand River valley, according to the release. Khan Neshin had been a Taliban stronghold for several years before Afghan and coalition forces arrived and began discussions with local leaders several days ago. 

The mission to secure Khan Neshin was part of a larger operation undertaken by International Security Assistance Force and Afghan forces to stabilize towns along the Helmand River Valley in order to connect local citizens with their legitimate government while establishing secure conditions for national elections scheduled for August.