Afghan, Coalition Force Confiscates Weapons in Helmand

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.22.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - A joint Afghan and coalition force found a cache of weapons in an operation on a Taliban compound in central Helmand province Tuesday night, July 21.

The operation was the pursuit of a senior Taliban commander responsible for the recruitment of improvised-explosive device technicians and the transfer of weapons and bomb-making materials into the region.

The combined force searched the compound near the village of Heyderabad, about 50 km northeast of Lashkar Gah, after intelligence indicated militant activity. While moving to the targeted compound, the force engaged a small militant element after receiving fire.

A search of the compound was conducted without further incident and the following items were confiscated: one AK-47 rifle, one chest rack, and 75 pounds of black tar heroin. One suspected militant was detained.

The force was engaged multiple times upon leaving the compound from three different locations. The force engaged the enemy again and called in precision close air support. Several militants were killed during the incident.

There were no Afghan force, coalition force or civilian casualties.

Helmand province has been increasingly plagued by Taliban violence as militants seek to disrupt governance and security in the region. Taliban commanders routinely seek strongholds in Helmand to facilitate the movement of fighters into the heart of Afghanistan.

• Date Taken: 07.22.2009
• Date Posted: 07.22.2009 03:40
• Story ID: 36635
• Location: KABUL, AF