Thank you very much for your question.
We certainly have had challenges over the last several weeks with building up our Afghan national security partners in the south. Indeed, Ramadan was an issue. I mean, young local Afghans join the Afghan National Army. They number some 30,000 now. They are very brave souls, and they work particularly hard. Several weeks ago, we as Canadians asked our Afghan colleagues--governmental officials--if they would increase the number of Afghans who work down south with us. They certainly answered our call right away.
What that article refers to is this. About two or three weeks ago, one of the Afghan National Army battalions did have to leave. They had come from Helmand province; they returned to Helmand province. It left us with a bit of a gap. I'm happy to report that gap has now been filled. We have some 300 or 400 Afghan National Army soldiers with us in the south. That situation is improving.
I will not deny that the Taliban absolutely do not want to see this road constructed. That's why we're busily fortifying positions along that particular road, to enhance security. “Ambush alley” is actually a term that has been used for many segments of highways in Afghanistan. When we first arrived at Kandahar airfield, the stretch of road from the airfield to the city was known as ambush alley. We lost some soldiers along that route.
Indeed, the sentiment from two or three weeks ago is correct. This is a game of patience. It really is. We are under a challenge there; there is no doubt about it. But we are determined to put this route in.
Certainly this week you wouldn't see any construction, because you really need a boat to be able to traverse, not wheeled vehicles. The mud is quite thick. I'm a little more optimistic--not to dispute the captain who is at the front edge at a place and time. I think it points to some of the challenges we're having.
I do expect to see progress in the weeks and months ahead. It's important that we put this road in. It's an area that we've been operating in, and it will improve the conditions for locals.