Garmsir (from Persian گرمسیر, meaning "hot place" ) is the center of Garmsir District in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Helmand River on 31.1167°N, 64.2°W at 714 m altitude and 63 km southwest of Lashkargah. The major road at Garmsir is Route 605. The hospital is called Hazar Juft Comprehensive Health Clinic. Prince Harry spent time in the village during his 2008 period in the country.

Climate

Garmsir has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh), characterised by little precipitation and high variation between summer and winter temperatures. The average temperature in Garmsir is 21.3 °C, while the annual precipitation averages 83 mm. July is the hottest month of the year with an average temperature of 33.8 °C. The coldest month January has an average temperature of 8.6 °C.

Conflict

Garmsir was the scene of heavy fighting during April–September 2008 when U.S. Marines from the 24th MEU arrived to reinforce British and Afghan forces. In July 2009, Marines taking part in Operation Khanjar met little or no resistance initially. By July 5, elements of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines were engaged in heavy fighting with Taliban forces.

Notable people