DVIDS - News - IJC Operational Update, Jan. 16

News: IJC Operational Update, Jan. 16

ISAF Joint Command

Courtesy Story

KABUL, Afghanistan — An Afghan-international security force searched a compound in northeast Kandahar City and captured a Taliban facilitator, believed to buy and distribute weapons and ammunition for militant networks. The joint force detained other insurgents during the search.

The joint force also found a large inventory of foreign military equipment, including uniforms.

In Paktika last night, an insurgent group was observed planting IEDs north of the village of Suwnay, in the Orgun district. A joint security force called in an airstrike and killed three militants including a Haqqani commander.

The force then moved to the site and captured other insurgents. One was wounded by the strike and was medically evacuated.

The joint force recovered multiple weapons from the group, including IEDs, rocket propelled grenades, automatic rifles and hand grenades.

In Ghazni yesterday, a joint security force discovered a cache containing a small quantity of rocket propelled grenades, small arms ammo and five anti-tank mines. An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the items.

No Afghan civilians were harmed in these operations.

ANA soldiers deploy to Helmand

Almost 500 soldiers from Afghanistan‟s 201st Corps deployed to support operations in Helmand province, Jan. 14. The 3rd Brigade‟s 1st Battalion — known as a "Kandak‟ in the ANA — spent the month prior in pre-deployment training learning tasks like map reading, control point operations, new radio and weapon systems and reacting to ambushes.

"If we equip the personnel, they will have stronger morale ... and have a better ability to defend the country even under difficult circumstances," said Lt. Col. Rais Khan, the 201st Corps training officer. "The enemy will not be able to accomplish their preferred course of action."

Much of the training was conducted by experienced ANA noncommissioned officers, to better prepare them for their leadership role in the field. Unfamiliar techniques were taught by coalition mentors or Department of Defense contractors.