Afghan National Security Forces deal blow to insurgency in Paktika

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

03.24.2014

Story by Chief Petty Officer Bill Mesta 

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces killed two insurgents, detained another and found a weapons cache during a presence patrol March 20 in Jani Khel district, Paktika province.

The Paktika Village Response Unit commander said the purpose of the operation was to raise the level of security in Jani Khel district prior to Afghanistan’s presidential elections.

Two insurgents attacked VRU members as they entered Ade Cote village. The VRU returned fire immediately, killing the insurgents.

After the firefight, the VRU members searched a suspected insurgent compound, finding 2,325 kilograms of explosive material, two improvised explosive devices, two anti-personnel mines, two AK-47 assault rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with four rounds, a pistol, 50 blasting caps, two hand grenades, tactical gear and various IED components.

The VRU detained a suspected insurgent who they believe had been planting IEDs in the surrounding area.

The VRU commander said he was very pleased with the results of the operation and that a huge blow was dealt to the insurgents in Jani Khel district.

The VRU were accompanied by coalition advisers during the operation.

The suspected insurgent was transferred to National Directorate of Security officials.

• Date Taken: 03.24.2014
• Date Posted: 03.24.2014 11:42
• Story ID: 122434
• Location: PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AF