Security force targets RPG attack network in Kunar

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.19.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL – An Afghan and coalition security force pursued several Jama’at ul Dawa al-Qu’ran commanders responsible for planning and conducting attacks and propaganda campaigns in Kunar province Wednesday.

During the operation, several insurgents were detained and three insurgents were killed.

The Jama’at ul Dawa al-Qu’ran is a fundamentalist Islamic group that differs from the Taliban in their belief that followers should strictly abide by the Hadith and Qu’ran texts and not rely on a cleric to interpret them, as the Taliban does. The group operates alongside the Taliban in eastern Afghanistan.

The commanders are members of a Kunar network directly linked to two rocket-propelled grenade attacks that killed two U.S. service members and wounded several more, in addition to several other RPG and small arms fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

The assault force went to a series of compounds in the village of Shamun in Darah-ye Pech district to search for the commanders. At the first two compounds, Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the buildings peacefully. After questioning all the residents, the security force detained suspected insurgents without incident.

As the assault force moved on the final targeted compound, several armed insurgents engaged the assault force by throwing grenades and firing their AK-47's. The security force returned fire, killing three insurgents.

“These commanders attacked coalition forces and endangered the Afghan populace with their criminal activity,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “We’ll continue to pursue this dangerous network.”

• Date Taken: 08.19.2010
• Date Posted: 08.19.2010 01:02
• Story ID: 54816
• Location: KABUL, AF