IN THE PICTURE
Bismillah
As Wikiepedia notes:
Opium production in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has been on the rise since U.S. occupation started in 2001.
Public Intelligence has published a series of photographs showing American – and
U.S.-trained Afghan – troops patrolling poppy fields in Afghanistan.
The ICRSS produce these photos and the accompanying descriptions from Public Intelligence without further comment.
U.S.
Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6, patrol through a poppy field during Operation
Lariat in the Lui Tal district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 16,
2012. The Marines conducted the operation to disrupt enemy logistics
and establish a presence in the area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance
Cpl. Ismael E. Ortega/Released)
U.S.
Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6, patrol through a poppy field on their way to
Patrol Base (PB) Mohmon in the Lui Tal district, Helmand province,
Afghanistan, April 17, 2012. The Marines joined with coalition forces at
the PB to begin conducting operations in the area. (U.S. Marine Corps
photo by Lance Cpl. Ismael E. Ortega/Released)
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. John K. Silvernail with Golf Company, 2D
Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, takes a knee
in a field of poppy during a halt in a security patrol in Musa Qal’eh,
Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 16, 2012. Marines conducted the
patrol to disrupt enemy tactics in the battle space. (U.S. Marine Corps
Photo by Lance Cpl. Chistopher M. Paulton/Released)
An
Afghan boy stands watch over his family’s poppy and wheat fields as
U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6 patrol by in Sangin, Helmand province,
Afghanistan April 24, 2012. Marines conducted the patrol to interact
with the local populace and gather information on enemy activity in the
area.
U.S.
Marine Corps Sgt. Noel Rodriguez, a team leader with Alpha Company, 1st
Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, communicates
with an adjacent squad while on patrol in Sangin, Helmand province,
Afghanistan, May 1, 2012. Marines patrolled to provide security in the
area and interact with the local populace.
A
field filled with opium poppy plants can be seen April 11, 2012, in
Marjah, Afghanistan. Heroin is derived from raw opium gum, which comes
from opium poppies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Michael P. Snody)
A
field filled with opium poppy plants can be seen April 11, 2012, in
Marjah, Afghanistan. Heroin is derived from raw opium gum, which comes
from opium poppies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Michael P. Snody)
U.S.
Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT), Weapons Company, 2D
Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, conduct a
satellite patrol through a poppy field in Marjah, Afghanistan, April 16,
2012. CAAT patrolled over a five day period to erect Patrol Base
Sledgehammer Four and disrupt insurgent activity in the area. (U.S.
Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David A. Perez/Released)
Landscape
photo of poppy flowers in Habib Abad, Helmand province, Afghanistan,
April 4, 2012. U.S. Marines and Afghanistan National Army soldiers
conducted a patrol to disrupt insurgency activity.
Afghan
National Army (ANA) soldier conducts a satellite patrol, April 17,
2012, Marjah, Afghanistan. The ANA took part of a 5 day operation to
erect Patrol Base Sledgehammer 4 to disrupt the insurgence activity in
the area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David A.
Perez/Released)
Scored
poppy plants await the final harvest in Sangin, Helmand province,
Afghanistan April 24, 2012. The annual poppy harvest yields the largest
profit of the year for local Afghan farmers, ultimately resulting in 90
percent of the world’s opium supply.
Scored
poppy plants await the final harvest in Sangin, Helmand province,
Afghanistan April 24, 2012. The annual poppy harvest yields the largest
profit of the year for local Afghan farmers, ultimately resulting in 90
percent of the world’s opium supply.
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Michael Hanley, right, a machine gunner with 2D
Squad, 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6, patrols through a field of poppy outside of
Patrol Base Fires, Helmand province, Afghanistan April 24, 2012. Marines
conducted the patrol to interact with the local populace and gather
information on enemy activity in the area.
An
Afghan farmer watches from a poppy field as the 288th Sapper Company, a
National Guard Unit out of Houston, Miss., performs a dismounted patrol
in the Uzugan province in southern Afghanistan, April 2, 2012.
Dismounted patrols, in conjunction with their route clearance missions,
have lead to a significant decrease in insurgent activity in the
Dorifshan and Baluchi valleys and an increase in not only the safety and
security of the coalition and Afghan Security Forces, but also helped
the unit form a bond with the local Afghan civilians.
An
Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier provides security during a satellite
patrol along a poppy field in Marjah, Afghanistan, April 17, 2012. The
ANA took part in a five day partnered operation to erect Patrol Base
Sledgehammer Four and disrupt insurgent activity in the area. (U.S.
Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David A. Perez/Released)
A
field filled with opium poppy plants can be seen April 11, 2012, in
Marjah, Afghanistan. Heroin is derived from raw opium gum, which comes
from opium poppies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Michael P. Snody)
A
U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6 walks through a poppy field during a security
patrol in Gorazan Valley, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 17, 2012.
Marines conducted the patrol in search of suspected enemy fighters.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew J. Good)
U.S.
Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion,
9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, conduct a satellite
patrol through a poppy field in Marjah, Afghanistan, April 19, 2012.
CAAT conducted a five day partnered operation to erect Patrol Base
Sledgehammer Four and disrupt insurgent activity in the area. (U.S.
Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David A. Perez)
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nicholas Gonzalez, a machine gunner with 2nd
Squad, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6, patrols through a poppy field in Sangin,
Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 27, 2012. Marines conducted the
patrol to provide security in the area and interact with the local
population.
PATROL
BASE SHARK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines
and Afghan National Army soldiers patrol through farmlands outside the
base recently. Behind the small poppy field in the front of the photo is
a wheat field. The local farmers are growing more and more of the wheat
as an alternative to growing the illegal poppy.
Poppies
grow in a field in the Maiwand district, Kandahar province,
Afghanistan, May 2, 2011. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Dillon
Townsel/Released)
An
Afghan commando with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak
scans the surrounding area for enemy activity during a clearing
operation in Maiwand District, May 1, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
The commandos, joined by Navy SEALs team members with Special Operations
Task Force – South and members of the Afghan National Civil Order
Police, destroyed an IED and recovered IED making materials and a
weapons cache during the operation.
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jason Phillips crosses a poppy field as Marines
conduct a security patrol outside Forward Operating Base Hanson,
Marjah, Afghanistan, April 30, 2011. The security patrol was done in
order for Marines to inspect the well being of a nearby village.
Phillips is with Guard Force, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental
Combat Team 1. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alberto B.
Vazquez/Released)
Dried
out opium poppy plants occupy a field at Khan Neshin, Afghanistan, May
27, 2011. Afghan farmers harvest the scorn poppy bulbs from the plant to
produce opium paste. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Charles T. Mabry
II/Released)
U.S.
Marine Corps Cpl. James K. Peters stands in an opium poppy field while
performing a foot patrol at Sangin, Afghanistan, May 19, 2011. Peters
and his fellow Marines assigned to Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th
Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, are familiarizing the
battalion?s commander with their area of operation during the patrol.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeremy C. Harris/Released)
A
U.S. Marine displays a poppy flower after its been scored as Marines
conduct a security patrol outside Forward Operating Base Hanson, Marjah,
Afghanistan, April 30, 2011. The security patrol was done in order for
Marines to inspect the well being of a nearby village. The Marines are
with Guard Force, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alberto B. Vazquez/Released)
Dried,
scored poppies remain after the harvest season as U.S. Marines with 1st
Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, Regimental
Combat Team 1 conduct a patrol outside Combat Outpost (COP) Huskers in
Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 22, 2011. The Marines patrolled
outside the COP in order to maintain security and talk with villagers.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Loren P. Molumby/Released)
Poppy fields of the Maiwand District, taken May 2.
U.S.
Marine Corps Cpl. Mathew J. Gilabriest speaks with a villager as
Marines conduct a security patrol outside Forward Operating Base Hanson,
Marjah, Afghanistan, April 30, 2011. The security patrol was done in
order for Marines to inspect the well being of a nearby village.
Gilabriest is with Guard Force, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental
Combat Team 1. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alberto B.
Vazquez/Released)
The
sun rises over a poppy field during a clearing operation conducted by
Afghan Commandos with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak in
Maiwand District, May 1, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The commandos,
joined by Navy SEALs team members with Special Operations Task Force
South and members of the Afghan National Civil Order Police, destroyed
an IED and recovered IED making materials and a weapons cache during the
operation.
An
Afghan commando with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak
scans the surrounding area for enemy activity during a clearing
operation in Maiwand District, May 1, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
The commandos, joined by Navy SEALs team members with Special Operations
Task Force – South and members of the Afghan National Civil Order
Police, destroyed an IED and recovered IED making materials and a
weapons cache during the operation.
A
field of scored poppies, as seen during a clearing operation conducted
by Afghan commandos with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak
in Maiwand district, May 1, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Poppy is
cultivated and harvested for its powerful medicinal properties.
PATROL
BASE SHARK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A
Marine with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, greets local children
working in the farmlands near the base. The high-five exchanged is a
symbol of the positive relationship the Marines have built with the
local population.
In
this photo provided by ISAF Regional Command – South, during Operation
Spartan Strike, 2nd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry
Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Thursday, April 21,
cleared houses and questioned residents about Taliban activities and
locations of weapons cashes in Zharay District, Afghanistan.
U.S.
Marine Corps Sgt. Eric Stump (3rd from left), a squad leader with with
1st Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat
Team 8, and his U.S. Marines discuss their route through a poppy field
during a security patrol from their patrol base in Helmand province’s
Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e Saraj canal, April 13. Elements of 26th
Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional
security in Helmand province in support of the International Security
Assistance Force.
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Antonio Wilccoxen, an M249 Squad Automatic
Weapon gunner, and fellow U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Company I,
Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat Team 8, walk through a
poppy field during a security patrol from their patrol base in Helmand
province’s Green Zone, west of the Nar-e Saraj canal, March 31. Elements
of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide
regional security in Helmand province in support of the International
Security Assistance Force.
Marines
with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines, Regimental Combat Team
8, patrol through a poppy field in the Kajaki green zone, Helmand
province, Afghanistan, April 19. An artillery unit by doctrine, Bravo
Battery has served as a provisional infantry rifle company for the last
several months while protecting the area around the Kajaki Dam.
U.S.
Marines with 1st Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8,
Regimental Combat Team 8, return to base through a poppy field after a
security patrol from their patrol base in Helmand province’s Green Zone,
west of the Nahr-e Saraj canal, April 13. Elements of 26th Marine
Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security
in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance
Force.
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mark Bower (right), a 60mm mortarman, and U.S.
Marines with 1st Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8,
Regimental Combat Team 8, provide security for another element at the
edge of a poppy field during a security patrol from their patrol base in
Helmand province’s Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e Saraj canal, April
13, 2011. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to
Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support
of the International Security Assistance Force.
U.S.
Marines Lance Cpl. Zachary Mizasawa, top, an M249 squad automatic
weapon gunner, and Lance Cpl. Kevin Gonzalezsierra, a rifleman, both
with 1st Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental
Combat Team 8, hold in place while a group of Afghan boys tend poppy
crops during a security patrol from their patrol base in Helmand
province’s Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e Saraj canal, April 7, 2011.
Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to
provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the
International Security Assistance Force.
U.S.
Navy Seaman Jeremy Threatte, a corpsman , and U.S. Marines with 2nd
Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat Team
8, pause at the edge of a poppy field during a security patrol from
their patrol base in Helmand province’s Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e
Saraj canal, April 5, 2011. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province
in support of the International Security Assistance Force.
U.S.
Navy Hospitalman Chris Coughlin, a corpsman with 1st Platoon, Company
I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat Team 8, pauses in a
poppy field during a security patrol from their patrol base in Helmand
province’s Green Zone, west of the Nar-e Saraj canal, April 1. Elements
of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide
regional security in Helmand province in support of the International
Security Assistance Force.
An
Afghan farmer fertilizes his poppy field near the patrol base of U.S.
Marine Corps Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat
Team 8, in Helmand province’s Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e Saraj
canal, March 27. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to
Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support
of the International Security Assistance Force.
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Timothy Brown, a team leader with 1st Platoon,
Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat Team 8, passes
word to his patrol members in a poppy field during a security patrol
from their patrol base in Helmand province’s Green Zone, west of the
Nar-e Saraj canal, April 1. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province
in support of the International Security Assistance Force.
U.S.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyler Ivy, hospital corpsman, attached to
1st Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat
Team 8, pauses during a security patrol through a poppy field from their
patrol base in Helmand province’s Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e Saraj
canal, March 27. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to
Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support
of the International Security Assistance Force.
U.S.
Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6, patrol through a poppy field during Operation
Lariat in the Lui Tal district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 16,
2012. The Marines conducted the operation to disrupt enemy logistics
and establish a presence in the area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance
Cpl. Ismael E. Ortega/Released)
U.S.
Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6, patrol through a poppy field on their way to
Patrol Base (PB) Mohmon in the Lui Tal district, Helmand province,
Afghanistan, April 17, 2012. The Marines joined with coalition forces at
the PB to begin conducting operations in the area. (U.S. Marine Corps
photo by Lance Cpl. Ismael E. Ortega/Released)
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. John K. Silvernail with Golf Company, 2D
Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, takes a knee
in a field of poppy during a halt in a security patrol in Musa Qal’eh,
Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 16, 2012. Marines conducted the
patrol to disrupt enemy tactics in the battle space. (U.S. Marine Corps
Photo by Lance Cpl. Chistopher M. Paulton/Released)
An
Afghan boy stands watch over his family’s poppy and wheat fields as
U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6 patrol by in Sangin, Helmand province,
Afghanistan April 24, 2012. Marines conducted the patrol to interact
with the local populace and gather information on enemy activity in the
area.
U.S.
Marine Corps Sgt. Noel Rodriguez, a team leader with Alpha Company, 1st
Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, communicates
with an adjacent squad while on patrol in Sangin, Helmand province,
Afghanistan, May 1, 2012. Marines patrolled to provide security in the
area and interact with the local populace.
A
field filled with opium poppy plants can be seen April 11, 2012, in
Marjah, Afghanistan. Heroin is derived from raw opium gum, which comes
from opium poppies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Michael P. Snody)
A
field filled with opium poppy plants can be seen April 11, 2012, in
Marjah, Afghanistan. Heroin is derived from raw opium gum, which comes
from opium poppies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Michael P. Snody)
U.S.
Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT), Weapons Company, 2D
Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, conduct a
satellite patrol through a poppy field in Marjah, Afghanistan, April 16,
2012. CAAT patrolled over a five day period to erect Patrol Base
Sledgehammer Four and disrupt insurgent activity in the area. (U.S.
Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David A. Perez/Released)
Landscape
photo of poppy flowers in Habib Abad, Helmand province, Afghanistan,
April 4, 2012. U.S. Marines and Afghanistan National Army soldiers
conducted a patrol to disrupt insurgency activity.
Afghan
National Army (ANA) soldier conducts a satellite patrol, April 17,
2012, Marjah, Afghanistan. The ANA took part of a 5 day operation to
erect Patrol Base Sledgehammer 4 to disrupt the insurgence activity in
the area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David A.
Perez/Released)
Scored
poppy plants await the final harvest in Sangin, Helmand province,
Afghanistan April 24, 2012. The annual poppy harvest yields the largest
profit of the year for local Afghan farmers, ultimately resulting in 90
percent of the world’s opium supply.
Scored
poppy plants await the final harvest in Sangin, Helmand province,
Afghanistan April 24, 2012. The annual poppy harvest yields the largest
profit of the year for local Afghan farmers, ultimately resulting in 90
percent of the world’s opium supply.
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Michael Hanley, right, a machine gunner with 2D
Squad, 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6, patrols through a field of poppy outside of
Patrol Base Fires, Helmand province, Afghanistan April 24, 2012. Marines
conducted the patrol to interact with the local populace and gather
information on enemy activity in the area.
An
Afghan farmer watches from a poppy field as the 288th Sapper Company, a
National Guard Unit out of Houston, Miss., performs a dismounted patrol
in the Uzugan province in southern Afghanistan, April 2, 2012.
Dismounted patrols, in conjunction with their route clearance missions,
have lead to a significant decrease in insurgent activity in the
Dorifshan and Baluchi valleys and an increase in not only the safety and
security of the coalition and Afghan Security Forces, but also helped
the unit form a bond with the local Afghan civilians.
An
Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier provides security during a satellite
patrol along a poppy field in Marjah, Afghanistan, April 17, 2012. The
ANA took part in a five day partnered operation to erect Patrol Base
Sledgehammer Four and disrupt insurgent activity in the area. (U.S.
Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David A. Perez/Released)
A
field filled with opium poppy plants can be seen April 11, 2012, in
Marjah, Afghanistan. Heroin is derived from raw opium gum, which comes
from opium poppies. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Michael P. Snody)
A
U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6 walks through a poppy field during a security
patrol in Gorazan Valley, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 17, 2012.
Marines conducted the patrol in search of suspected enemy fighters.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Andrew J. Good)
U.S.
Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion,
9th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, conduct a satellite
patrol through a poppy field in Marjah, Afghanistan, April 19, 2012.
CAAT conducted a five day partnered operation to erect Patrol Base
Sledgehammer Four and disrupt insurgent activity in the area. (U.S.
Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David A. Perez)
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nicholas Gonzalez, a machine gunner with 2nd
Squad, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 6, patrols through a poppy field in Sangin,
Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 27, 2012. Marines conducted the
patrol to provide security in the area and interact with the local
population.
PATROL
BASE SHARK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines
and Afghan National Army soldiers patrol through farmlands outside the
base recently. Behind the small poppy field in the front of the photo is
a wheat field. The local farmers are growing more and more of the wheat
as an alternative to growing the illegal poppy.
Poppies
grow in a field in the Maiwand district, Kandahar province,
Afghanistan, May 2, 2011. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Dillon
Townsel/Released)
An
Afghan commando with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak
scans the surrounding area for enemy activity during a clearing
operation in Maiwand District, May 1, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
The commandos, joined by Navy SEALs team members with Special Operations
Task Force – South and members of the Afghan National Civil Order
Police, destroyed an IED and recovered IED making materials and a
weapons cache during the operation.
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jason Phillips crosses a poppy field as Marines
conduct a security patrol outside Forward Operating Base Hanson,
Marjah, Afghanistan, April 30, 2011. The security patrol was done in
order for Marines to inspect the well being of a nearby village.
Phillips is with Guard Force, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental
Combat Team 1. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alberto B.
Vazquez/Released)
Dried
out opium poppy plants occupy a field at Khan Neshin, Afghanistan, May
27, 2011. Afghan farmers harvest the scorn poppy bulbs from the plant to
produce opium paste. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Charles T. Mabry
II/Released)
U.S.
Marine Corps Cpl. James K. Peters stands in an opium poppy field while
performing a foot patrol at Sangin, Afghanistan, May 19, 2011. Peters
and his fellow Marines assigned to Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th
Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, are familiarizing the
battalion?s commander with their area of operation during the patrol.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jeremy C. Harris/Released)
A
U.S. Marine displays a poppy flower after its been scored as Marines
conduct a security patrol outside Forward Operating Base Hanson, Marjah,
Afghanistan, April 30, 2011. The security patrol was done in order for
Marines to inspect the well being of a nearby village. The Marines are
with Guard Force, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alberto B. Vazquez/Released)
Dried,
scored poppies remain after the harvest season as U.S. Marines with 1st
Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, Regimental
Combat Team 1 conduct a patrol outside Combat Outpost (COP) Huskers in
Helmand province, Afghanistan, May 22, 2011. The Marines patrolled
outside the COP in order to maintain security and talk with villagers.
(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Loren P. Molumby/Released)
Poppy fields of the Maiwand District, taken May 2.
U.S.
Marine Corps Cpl. Mathew J. Gilabriest speaks with a villager as
Marines conduct a security patrol outside Forward Operating Base Hanson,
Marjah, Afghanistan, April 30, 2011. The security patrol was done in
order for Marines to inspect the well being of a nearby village.
Gilabriest is with Guard Force, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, Regimental
Combat Team 1. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alberto B.
Vazquez/Released)
The
sun rises over a poppy field during a clearing operation conducted by
Afghan Commandos with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak in
Maiwand District, May 1, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. The commandos,
joined by Navy SEALs team members with Special Operations Task Force
South and members of the Afghan National Civil Order Police, destroyed
an IED and recovered IED making materials and a weapons cache during the
operation.
An
Afghan commando with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak
scans the surrounding area for enemy activity during a clearing
operation in Maiwand District, May 1, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
The commandos, joined by Navy SEALs team members with Special Operations
Task Force – South and members of the Afghan National Civil Order
Police, destroyed an IED and recovered IED making materials and a
weapons cache during the operation.
A
field of scored poppies, as seen during a clearing operation conducted
by Afghan commandos with the Afghan National Army’s 3rd Commando Kandak
in Maiwand district, May 1, Kandahar province, Afghanistan. Poppy is
cultivated and harvested for its powerful medicinal properties.
PATROL
BASE SHARK, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A
Marine with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, greets local children
working in the farmlands near the base. The high-five exchanged is a
symbol of the positive relationship the Marines have built with the
local population.
In
this photo provided by ISAF Regional Command – South, during Operation
Spartan Strike, 2nd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry
Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Thursday, April 21,
cleared houses and questioned residents about Taliban activities and
locations of weapons cashes in Zharay District, Afghanistan.
U.S.
Marine Corps Sgt. Eric Stump (3rd from left), a squad leader with with
1st Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat
Team 8, and his U.S. Marines discuss their route through a poppy field
during a security patrol from their patrol base in Helmand province’s
Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e Saraj canal, April 13. Elements of 26th
Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional
security in Helmand province in support of the International Security
Assistance Force.
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Antonio Wilccoxen, an M249 Squad Automatic
Weapon gunner, and fellow U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Company I,
Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat Team 8, walk through a
poppy field during a security patrol from their patrol base in Helmand
province’s Green Zone, west of the Nar-e Saraj canal, March 31. Elements
of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide
regional security in Helmand province in support of the International
Security Assistance Force.
Marines
with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines, Regimental Combat Team
8, patrol through a poppy field in the Kajaki green zone, Helmand
province, Afghanistan, April 19. An artillery unit by doctrine, Bravo
Battery has served as a provisional infantry rifle company for the last
several months while protecting the area around the Kajaki Dam.
U.S.
Marines with 1st Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8,
Regimental Combat Team 8, return to base through a poppy field after a
security patrol from their patrol base in Helmand province’s Green Zone,
west of the Nahr-e Saraj canal, April 13. Elements of 26th Marine
Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security
in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance
Force.
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mark Bower (right), a 60mm mortarman, and U.S.
Marines with 1st Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8,
Regimental Combat Team 8, provide security for another element at the
edge of a poppy field during a security patrol from their patrol base in
Helmand province’s Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e Saraj canal, April
13, 2011. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to
Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support
of the International Security Assistance Force.
U.S.
Marines Lance Cpl. Zachary Mizasawa, top, an M249 squad automatic
weapon gunner, and Lance Cpl. Kevin Gonzalezsierra, a rifleman, both
with 1st Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental
Combat Team 8, hold in place while a group of Afghan boys tend poppy
crops during a security patrol from their patrol base in Helmand
province’s Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e Saraj canal, April 7, 2011.
Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to
provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the
International Security Assistance Force.
U.S.
Navy Seaman Jeremy Threatte, a corpsman , and U.S. Marines with 2nd
Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat Team
8, pause at the edge of a poppy field during a security patrol from
their patrol base in Helmand province’s Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e
Saraj canal, April 5, 2011. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province
in support of the International Security Assistance Force.
U.S.
Navy Hospitalman Chris Coughlin, a corpsman with 1st Platoon, Company
I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat Team 8, pauses in a
poppy field during a security patrol from their patrol base in Helmand
province’s Green Zone, west of the Nar-e Saraj canal, April 1. Elements
of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide
regional security in Helmand province in support of the International
Security Assistance Force.
An
Afghan farmer fertilizes his poppy field near the patrol base of U.S.
Marine Corps Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat
Team 8, in Helmand province’s Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e Saraj
canal, March 27. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to
Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support
of the International Security Assistance Force.
U.S.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Timothy Brown, a team leader with 1st Platoon,
Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat Team 8, passes
word to his patrol members in a poppy field during a security patrol
from their patrol base in Helmand province’s Green Zone, west of the
Nar-e Saraj canal, April 1. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province
in support of the International Security Assistance Force.
U.S.
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyler Ivy, hospital corpsman, attached to
1st Platoon, Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Regimental Combat
Team 8, pauses during a security patrol through a poppy field from their
patrol base in Helmand province’s Green Zone, west of the Nahr-e Saraj
canal, March 27. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to
Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support
of the International Security Assistance Force.
