Afghan, U.S. forces disrupt insurgent activity in Badghis

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.14.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - A joint Afghan-led force disrupted insurgent fighters along with their weapons and financing network in the Bokan Bala area of the greater Morghab River Valley in Badghis province Aug. 10 during a presence and security patrol.

The partnered patrol allowed the Afghan National Army soldiers from the 207th Corps and 4th Commando Kandak, assisted by a Marine special operations team, to take the lead in providing the security around Bala Murghab, said a special operations team member.

During the patrol, the combined team was able to move into an area that has been outside of government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and coalition forces' influence for more than two years, and met with the local elders.

The ANA and MSOT received sporadic rocket-propelled grenade, small-arms and machine-gun fire during the patrols. The team responded with small-arms fires and precision guided munitions from coalition air forces on the insurgent positions. During the fighting, an unknown number of insurgents were killed. No civilian casualties were reported.

An explosive ordnance disposal team identified and destroyed one AK-47, 18 RPG rounds, two anti-aircraft rounds, and other miscellaneous ordnance and weapons.

Local Afghans are beginning to perceive that the GIRoA, through the Afghan National Security Force, is actively providing for their security, said U.S. Marine Sgt. Brian Kester. During meetings with village leaders and tribal elders, he said they recognized GIRoA as the legitimate government entity, providing for their security.

• Date Taken: 08.14.2010
• Date Posted: 08.14.2010 13:45
• Story ID: 54589
• Location: KABUL, AF