the sector of surobi was under italian control between 2006 and 2007. at the time, italian troops crossed the 35th parallel only once, as the region beyond was considered to be dangerous. then and until august 2008, responsibility of the surobi district switched to 140 italian troops who had undertaken development projects for the local population, as part of isaf's "comprehensive approach" strategy. the district was considered a successful example of establishing security, and was considered a quiet region despite the known presence of militants loyal to gulbuddin hekmatyar in remote areas. the italian government understands its mandate to be a stabilisation mission, without armed operations.