PRESS RELEASE | Nov. 26, 2008
Coalition forces keep the heat on terrorist networks
By None , U.S. Forces – Afghanistan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 26, 2008
Release Number 20082611-01
Coalition forces keep the heat on terrorist network
KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces killed ten armed militants, and detained four suspected militants during operations to thwart the Taliban and Haqqani terrorist networks in Paktia and Paktika provinces, Tuesday.
The operation in Paktia province targeted a senior Taliban commander in the Zormat district – believed to act as a liaison between the al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorist networks, assisting with the movement of foreign fighters into Afghanistan. During the operation Coalition forces were engaged by small-arms fire from multiple militants, some of whom where barricaded inside the compound. Coalition forces returned fire to protect the force and other innocent civilians in the vicinity. Five armed militants were killed during the operation.
In Sabori district, Coalition forces killed five armed militants and detained four suspected militants in an operation that targeted a Haqqani sub-commander. The targeted militant is responsible for planning and conducting attacks against Coalition forces in the region. Intelligence suggests this militant also facilitates the movement of weapons and supplies used by terrorist to conduct attacks against innocent civilians, GIRoA and Coalition forces.
As the force approached the targeted compound they received small-arms fire from two armed militants attempting to maneuver on the force. Coalition forces returned fire, killing both. The force then received small-arms fire from militants inside the compound. Adhering to Coalition procedures, designed to protect innocent civilians inside the building, the force called for all individuals to exit the building and surrender. Eight women and eleven children exited the building unharmed and were moved to a safe location. Continuing to receive fire from inside the building, the force engaged the militants with small-arms fire killing three additional militants. A search of the building revealed multiple weapons.
“We continue to disrupt terrorist networks, stemming the flow of weapons and supplies that are used against innocent Afghan civilians,” said Col. Jerry O’Hara, spokesperson for U.S. Forces Afghanistan.
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United States Forces Afghanistan’s mission, in coordination with NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, is to conduct operations to defeat terrorist networks and insurgents by developing effective governance and building the Afghan National Security Force. Effective security throughout the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan facilitates continued regional stability and increases economic development for the people of Afghanistan.
Contact Information – US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office
Tel +93 (0) 799 51 2919 or cell phone 0093 (0) 707 355 965