ANA general arriving
The “shura” or “village meeting” is a very significant event.
ANA truck
Before the shura could be held, the coalition and commando ANA forces had to go in and clear out the area.
ANA general speaks at Yakdand shura
ANA Guard at shura
They were actively engaged for several days and the fighting could still be heard in the distance when we arrived at the top of the mountain. Then we drove on the most treacherous roads to date before arriving at the shura and the staging area for the humanitarian aid. It’s amazing how these people survive, but they have been doing it for several thousand years and are resilient.
Atop the mountain, several villages of mud and stone huts could be seen in the distance.
Shura village meeting
At the shura the village tribal elders, men and children all formed a circle around the ANA general to discuss the future direction their villages would take.
Notice no women are seen or permitted at the shura or outside the village houses. Before entering the shura, the ANP would physically search each person for weapons or contraband.
ANP searching villagers before entering shura
Filed under: Food and living conditions, Missions, Uncategorized Tagged: | Afghanistan, ANA, photography, shura, U.S. Air Force, war
