Joint Force Clears Insurgents in Shewan; Afghan-International Force Interdicts Uzbek Militant in Takhar

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

09.29.2009

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan - The Afghan national army's 1st and 6th Kandaks, ANA commandos and U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted an operation to clear insurgents from Shewan City, Farah province, early Monday.

More than 500 Afghan and coalition forces participated in the operation which killed a large number of insurgents. Heavy fighting occurred over more than 12 hours. The combined force received rocket-propelled grenade, machine gun and small arms fire; the force responded with munitions including small arms, and machine gun fire as well as air strikes. No ANA or coalition force members were killed.

"This is a great day for Afghanistan and a great day for Farah province," said Col. Namatulah, ANA 1st Kandak commander. "Today we fought alongside coalition forces like brothers. Main roads that go through this city will not be under Taliban control. Safe roads are good for everyone, military and civilian."

"We want peace in Shewan and all of Afghanistan," said Sgt. Deen, a 1st Kandak squadron leader. "Me and my men came from Herat to give people here the same opportunities people have there. All Afghans are entitled to peace."

Militant Detained

An Afghan and International Security Force detained a suspected militant today after searching a compound in Takhar province known to be used by a key facilitator in the Islamic movement of Uzbekistan responsible for financing and shipping weapons to other militant elements in the region.

The operation was conducted without incident. No shots were fired and no one was injured.

No ISAF service members were killed over the past 24 hours.

• Date Taken: 09.29.2009
• Date Posted: 09.29.2009 04:57
• Story ID: 39408
• Location: KABUL, AF