FARYAB PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Insurgents killed two Afghan women and an Afghan National Army commando during their attack on a village in Ghomach district, May 4.
The commandos were conducting a clearing operation in the vicinity of the Jar-l Syah village to help locals and stop intimidation by insurgents in the area. At the onset of the commando operation with support by coalition special operations forces, the insurgents attacked near the village with small arms fire.
Two commandos were shot and coalition medics promptly began first aid treatment. Before the MEDEVAC arrived, one commando died as a result of his wounds. The other commando was transferred to Herat and is in stable condition.
During the operation, insurgents attacked the commandos on both the east and west side of the building they were clearing. When the commandos were able to maneuver toward another building, they discovered two deceased Afghan women. An elder stated he had pulled the women's bodies inside after they were shot.
In an adjacent building, a young Afghan girl was discovered with fragmentation wounds to her face. Coalition medics provided medical treatment for the young girl and she was able to remain with her family in the village.
"It is regrettable that insurgents have taken stronghold in this area and have no regard for human life," said a coalition SOF member. "They will fire into villages where women and children live."
Concern for safety of all Afghans is the highest priority of commandos and coalition SOF when conducting operations. The commitment to the Afghan people is first and foremost to protect them from insurgents, terrorists and criminals.
The commando operation was successful in that they cleared the village, resulting in three dead insurgents and two detained individuals of interest.
"The Government of Afghanistan will succeed in its mission of bringing hope, peace and development to all Afghan people," said a coalition SOF member. "The enemies of peace have no plan other than cruelty and violence and have given the people of Afghanistan nothing but lies, threats and cruel violence."