STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR SAID T. JAWAD ON U.S. CASUALTIES
July 23, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to an increase in U.S. casualties in Afghanistan in 2009 – particularly in July, during which 31 U.S. servicemen have been killed – Ambassador Said T. Jawad released the following statement:
"With the implementation of President Obama's new comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and the deployment of much-needed additional U.S. forces, we expected an increase in fighting and therefore additional casualties amongst Afghan, U.S. and NATO forces. As U.S. and Afghan soldiers move to ensure the safety and security of the Afghan people in areas that have had little government or international presence, they’ve been faced with the brutal enemy of the Afghan people that hides amongst the civilian population, crosses international borders and relies on suicide bombers and roadside explosives.
I would like to convey our most sincere condolences to the friends and families of each of those that have fallen in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families. They are heroes and their valiant sacrifices are not in vain, and they will each be remembered for their distinguished service and valor in this fight for a noble cause.
The Afghan people, police officers and soldiers continue to sacrifice alongside their U.S. and international allies for a better and more hopeful future for Afghanistan. Since May, an average of six Afghan policemen have died on a daily basis, alongside hundreds of soldiers from the Afghan National Army and other Afghan security officers. Just in Helmand Province over 4,200 Afghan National Army soldiers and 2,500 Afghan National Police officers are fighting alongside the Afghan people and U.S. and British forces.
We are indebted to the government and people of the United States, especially those who have given their lives for a peaceful Afghanistan, a stable region and a secure world. We deeply value your friendship and commitment, and we are working hard to build the capacity of the Afghan security forces to ensure that your brave boys and girls can return home to their friends and families."
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