Coalition and ANA Soldiers attacked by Taliban in Sangin

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

05.09.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

Combined Joint Task Force-82

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Members of 1st Kandak, 1st Brigade, 209th Afghan National Army Corps, combat advised by U.S. Special Forces, were engaged with small-arms, mortar, and rocket propelled grenade fire from an unknown number of Taliban fighters 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) northeast of the Sangin District Center in Helmand province on May 8.

The combined force returned fire at Taliban fighters near the village of Lwar Malazi, and then pursued retreating fighters. During the pursuit, the friendly force continued to receive enemy small-arms, RPG, and mortar fire from the western side of the Helmand River. The ANA and coalition force maintained contact with the enemy as Taliban fighters took cover in compounds or continued firing on coalition forces. Coalition close air support aircraft destroyed three enemy command and control compounds including an enemy underground tunnel network located along the upper Sangin River Valley.

During the 16-hour battle, ANA and coalition forces fought through three separate enemy ambush sites while dozens of Taliban fighters from Kajaki and Lashkar Gha reinforced enemy positions. Over 200 Taliban fighters massed on the combined ANA and coalition forces throughout the engagement.

Intelligence also indicates foreign fighters and some Shindand District area Taliban fighters from Herat were involved in the battle.

One coalition member was killed in action during the long fought battle.

"We will continue to pursue and interdict Taliban fighters who threaten the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," said Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force- 82 spokesperson. "Taliban fighters have two choices; stop fighting and reconcile with the IROA, or face elimination by ANA and coalition forces."

• Date Taken: 05.09.2007
• Date Posted: 05.09.2007 08:09
• Story ID: 10292
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF