Forces target insurgent network leaders in Khost, Ghazni

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

01.22.2011

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Haqqani Network facilitator, detaining several combatants and killing numerous armed combatants during an operation in Khost province yesterday.

The Haqqani Network facilitator operates in Sabari District of Khost province where he directly facilitates the movement of improvised explosive devices, mortars and various other weapons across the district.

He has direct ties with other Haqqani Network leaders in the province. The targeted facilitator was in possession of multiple weapons and IEDs that he planned to transport and store at another insurgent’s location according to recent reporting.

Intelligence reports led the security force to the targeted compound in Sabari District. As the joint security force arrived at the compound, armed combatants shot at them with rocket propelled grenades and machine guns. The security force returned fire, resulting in several armed combatants being killed.

The security force encountered numerous armed combatants throughout the compound who engaged the force with RPGs, machine guns and small arms fire. The security force returned fire resulting in several more armed combatants being killed.

While clearing one of the buildings, several women informed the security force there were armed combatants in the building. The security force called out the armed combatants who had been wounded in the initial engagement. A coalition medical technician provided medical care to both of the injured combatants who were evacuated for further medical attention.

After the compound was secure, security forces discovered an Afghan child was killed, as well as two women and a child were wounded during the five-hour-long engagement. The coalition medical technician provided on-scene medical attention for the women and child.

“Afghan and coalition forces take every precaution to ensure the safety and security of the Afghan people during security operations. The insurgents fired on Afghan and coalition forces in the vicinity of civilians, including women and children, without regard to their safety,” said U.S. Col. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “ISAF’s thoughts and concerns are with the family of the child and we hope the two injured women and child recover quickly.”

After the compound was secure numerous suspected combatants were detained based on initial questioning at the scene and their involvement in insurgent activities. Security forces recovered a machine gun, multiple RPGs and launchers, numerous AK-47s, chest racks, a suicide vest, an IED and ammunition from the scene. A key leader engagement was conducted with local officials by the Afghan National Army to explain the purpose of the mission and allay any concerns of the local villagers.

In Ghazni province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader for attacks on Afghan and coalition forces detaining several suspected insurgents during a security operation yesterday.

In addition to being the Gelan district Taliban leader, the targeted man and his group of insurgents actively attack Afghan National Security Force and coalition force members with improvised explosive devices, direct and indirect fires and target aircraft with heavy machine guns. He is in direct contact with Taliban leaders in the area.

Security forces followed leads to a targeted location in the district, where Afghan forces called for all occupants to exit out of the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. The security team detained four suspected insurgents based on initial questioning at the scene.

• Date Taken: 01.22.2011
• Date Posted: 01.22.2011 05:28
• Story ID: 63996
• Location: KABUL, AF