Afghan, coalition forces prevent militant activity in Helmand, Khost provinces

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

06.20.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces confiscated weapons and opium and detained militant suspects during operations against Taliban and Haqanni forces in Helmand and Khost provinces, June 20.

Near the village of Marjeh in Nad Ali District, Helmand province, a combined force conducted an operation to capture a Taliban commander responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces within Helmand province.

As the joint force approached the targeted compound, militants engaged the combined force and were eliminated. Following the initial encounter, Afghan forces called for all non-combatants to exit the compound peacefully. Without further incident, forces detained several militants and recovered two AK-47 assault rifles, a pistol, four hand grenades, a military-style, load-bearing vest and a significant amount of opium.

As the force prepared to depart, a group of militants engaged them with small arms fire. Forces returned fire, eliminating the threat.

In a separate engagement in Sabari District, Khost province, Afghan and coalition forces searched a compound where militants were known to be staying near the village of Paru Kheyl. Forces conducted a search without incident, detaining four suspects.

The Haqqani network focuses operations against the government of the Islamic republic of Afghanistan and Afghan national security forces, and seeks to expel coalition and NATO forces from Afghanistan to maintain its influence in eastern provinces. Haqqani leaders conduct operations in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network remains one of the most lethal Taliban organizations operating out of Pakistan's federally administered tribal area.

• Date Taken: 06.20.2009
• Date Posted: 06.21.2009 10:50
• Story ID: 35424
• Location: KABUL, AF