PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 18, 2007
Several militants killed during Afghan, Coalition forces operations in Helmand
By Public Affairs COMBINED JOINT TASK FORCE- 82 PAO, CJTF 82 Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Several militants were killed during a precision-guided munitions strike Monday in Helmand Province targeting a Taliban command and control network.

Coalition forces conducted a precision-guided munitions strike in the Kajaki District of Helmand Province targeting a Taliban commander believed to be facilitating the movement of foreign fighters and suicide bombers throughout the area.

During the course of operations, Coalition forces targeted several militants outside a compound and employed precision-guided munitions, which killed the militants, including one militant reported to be a Taliban commander.

In a follow-on operation, Afghan and Coalition forces conducted a search of compounds in the Kajaki District of Helmand Province for individuals reported to be associated with the militants targeted during the strike.

While conducting the operation, Afghan and Coalition forces, using small-arms, killed several armed militants who posed a credible threat to the combined force. During a subsequent engagement on the compound, the combined force was fired upon by a group of militants barricaded in a building. The combined force employed grenades, killing the militants barricaded inside.

There were no immediate indications of injuries or deaths to civilians not taking part in hostilities. Continuing their search of the compounds, the combined force recovered several weapons and explosives, which were destroyed in-place to prevent further use by extremist forces.

“Afghan and Coalition forces are having significant success in degrading the Taliban’s ability to conduct militant operations,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman.