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KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan national army commandos of the 205th Corps, assisted by coalition forces, killed seven militants during a search of an area known to be the hub of enemy activity in the city of Merjeh, Nad Ali District, Helmand province, today.
Early this morning, the combined elements conducted a search of the Loy Chareh Bazaar, which is known for the facilitation of rampant militant activities.
The combined elements discovered a large amount of opium and explosives in a number of buildings within the bazaar.
As the search continued, friendly forces began taking small-arms, machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire from an unknown number of armed militants from all directions. The elements ensured the safety of all noncombatants in the area and positively identified militant positions before returning fire.
The combined elements requested close air support to destroy enemy fighting positions, which resulted in the deaths of five militants.
Two would-be suicide bombers were killed during the engagement, which is still ongoing. The bombers, who were wearing suicide vests, were approaching friendly elements during the firefight. The friendly forces shot one of the men, causing his suicide vest to detonate. Both bombers died in the blast.
Also during the firefight, a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed entered the friendly forces' security perimeter. The driver of the vehicle failed to halt despite repeated hand signals and warning shots. The combined elements fired upon the vehicle, wounding the driver. He was immediately treated for superficial wounds by a coalition medic. The driver was detained by the commandos for questioning to determine any involvement he had with the attacks on the combined elements.
No Afghan commando, coalition force or noncombatant casualties have been reported.
The operation is still ongoing at this time.
"The ANA commandos are taking the lead in the fight to build a peaceful and stable country for the people of Afghanistan," said Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defense. "The people of Nad Ali are tired of living in fear and misery as a result the militants' inhumane activities."
| Date Taken: | 05.19.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 05.19.2009 08:08 |
| Story ID: | 33796 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 615 |
| Downloads: | 608 |
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