International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

Courtesy Story

KABUL, Afghanistan - More than 25 ISAF and Afghan national security force personnel were killed or wounded during a joint operation that involved multiple engagements over several hours Nov. 7 in western Afghanistan. ISAF and Afghan forces were conducting search operations for two missing U.S. Army Soldiers. The Soldiers went missing on Nov. 4 while attempting to recover airdropped supplies from a river in western Afghanistan.

In the course of search operations, the joint force was engaged by enemy forces. Reports indicate five ISAF service members from the United States were wounded in action. Reports also indicate four Afghan soldiers and three Afghan police were killed in action. Additionally,
15 Afghan soldiers and two Afghan police officers were reported wounded.
One Afghan civilian working with the Afghan National Army was killed and another was wounded.

"We are saddened by the loss of life and injuries sustained during this very important mission," said U.S. Navy Capt. Jane Campbell, IJC spokesperson.

ISAF and Afghan authorities are currently investigating whether some of the casualties were caused by ISAF close air support. The operation is ongoing, and additional information will be provided when appropriate.

This is an update to IJC News Release 2009-11-CA-018 ISAF Forces Injured While Conducting Search Operations.

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