In 2008 progress was made across Afghanistan but the insurgency remains resilient and 2009 will continue to present significant security challenges in certain areas of the country, particularly in the south and east.
In Helmand, successful military operations by ISAF and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) have allowed more of the province to come under the control of the Afghan Government. The recent Operation SOND CHARA saw Task Force Helmand, supported by ANSF, successfully clear Taleban from the town of Nad-e-Ali and its environs creating a secure environment to promote stabilisation and economic growth.