Afghan security forces continue fighting in Nahr-e Saraj

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan
Story by Staff Sgt. Richard Lower

Date: 01.10.2014
Posted: 01.10.2014 04:05
News ID: 118997

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan Commandos from the 7th Special Operations Kandak killed two insurgents during a mission to disrupt militants in Nahr-e Saraj district’s Shurakay village Jan 2-4.

Commandos chose to carry out the operation in Shurakay, a remote farming village, because insurgents use the village to produce and ship homemade explosives, reported the Commandos. These bombs are then used in attacks against Afghans traveling along nearby highways.

During the mission, insurgents attacked the Commandos using machine-gun fire. The soldiers returned fire killing two of the attackers and injuring one as the rest retreated.

“The Taliban’s attacks in Nahr-e Saraj are destabilizing peace in the area,” said 7th SOK Commander Lt. Col. Mohammed Zeibiullah. However, the Commandos are determined to continue stabilizing the area.

The Commandos arrested a suspected insurgent after finding a small weapons cache in his care. They confiscated a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with several rounds and an assault rifle.

The suspect is in custody of National Directorate of Security officials and Afghan Local Police.

“The Commandos, NDS and ALP working together will expand safe zones in [the district],” said Zeibiullah, commenting on how the mission combined with Saymand Hekmatullah’s, district police chief, efforts will bolster security in Nahr-e Saraj.