Coalition forces maintain pressure on terrorist cell in Ghazni

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.28.2008

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces killed two armed Taliban militants while targeting the network's kidnapping and roadside bombing operations in Ghazni province, Dec. 28.

In Gailan District, approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Kandahar, coalition forces targeted a Taliban militant known to coordinate and carry out the kidnappings of Afghan officials and westerners to finance their criminal activities. Additionally, the targeted Taliban militant is assessed to facilitate and direct roadside bombings along Highway One in Ghazni and Zabul provinces, deliberately killing and injuring innocent civilians and coalition forces.

During the operation, coalition forces called for all individuals inside to exit the building peacefully. Disregarding these instructions, the two militants engaged the force with small-arms fire. In order to neutralize the threat, coalition forces engaged the militants inside with hand grenades and killed them.

A search of the building following the operation revealed multiple AK-47s.

"Kidnappings to line their pockets and conducting roadside bombs to spread fear is not ideology but only criminal acts from self-serving thugs," said Col. Jerry O'Hara, a U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesperson.

• Date Taken: 12.28.2008
• Date Posted: 12.28.2008 21:45
• Story ID: 28223
• Location: KABUL, AF