Update: Coalition forces repel insurgents at COP Margah

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

10.31.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces in the Bermel District of Paktika province are continuing their assessment of a failed insurgent attack on Combat Outpost Margah Saturday.

The combined forces are in the process of searching four separate direct fire and attack helicopter engagement areas where insurgents attempted to surround the outpost in a failed attempt to overrun the base.

So far, the combined forces confirm 38 insurgents killed, with an estimated more than 40 additional enemy killed, based on coalition helicopter camera footage in the areas where ground forces have not yet conducted an assessment.

In addition, two enemy wounded have been recovered from the engagement area and have been treated by coalition medical personnel.

“The fact the insurgents left both their dead and wounded laying there on the battlefield is significant,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, commanding general for NATO’s Regional Command-East. “We had multiple indicators an attack like this was going to happen in that area in an attempt to gain victory before the end of the fighting season, and our combined Afghan and coalition forces were ready for them.”

Afghan officials estimate more than 80 insurgents were killed in the failed attack.

“COP Margah has a squad-sized observation element on the high ground near the COP to provide early warning to the main base,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, RC-East deputy commanding general for operations. “Not only did the Soldiers and Afghan Border Policemen warn of the attack, they also disrupted it for approximately 20 minutes allowing the main defense to decisively respond. Once their mission was complete, they repositioned to reinforce the main defense. As a matter of fact, I just stood on that OP yesterday afternoon to get a sense of their combined achievement.”

The assessment is ongoing.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2010
• Date Posted: 10.31.2010 09:02
• Story ID: 59166
• Location: KABUL, AF