Afghan and Australian soldiers locate an arms cache in Uruzgan

Afghan National Army forces and Australian soldiers located an arms cache in Uruzgan Province, an area that is three-quarters mountainous and is the birthplace of the Taliban High Commander Mullah Omar.

It is also where the Barakzai ("the tribe of Barak" - an ancient Afghan tribal faction) tribal leader was killed in a fire-fight with Hamid Kazai's tribe, the Popalzai's, whom have throughout history have produced senior political figures governing Afghanistan.

At the end of October it was revealed that Uruzgan's most powerful figure had been requested by the Australian army to train their forces along with 5 of his fighters, they were introduced to Australia to meet officers and observe Australia’s combat equipment at the headquarters of South Australia and Sydney.

Once in Australia they offered training to Australian soldiers and passed on advice. There are total of 1550 Australian troops stationed in Uruzgan and there have been 21 recorded fatalities since they were stationed there.

photographer: Jennifer Spradlin