Afghan Army completes mission to account for missing soldiers

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.27.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL - The Afghan National Army repatriated eight of its soldiers today who were listed as missing from an earlier operation to rid the area of insurgents.

The soldiers were part of a larger ANA force that participated in security operations in Laghman province that began, Aug. 3.

In partnership with U.S. Task Force Bastogne, French Task Force Lafayette, and Afghan commandos, the 201st ANA Corps conducted over 15 air assault operations, resulting in the death of approximately 50 insurgents.

The 201st ANA Corps' relentless offensive maneuvers pressured the Taliban to release the remaining ANA soldiers.

During the operation, weapons such as rockets, improvised explosive device-making material, rocket-propelled grenades, and stockpiles of illegal drugs were found and confiscated by the ANA.

The recovery of the eight ANA soldiers brings closure to the three-week long offensive operation led by the ANSF, with support from coalition forces.

The ANA maintained pressure against the insurgent safe haven in Methar Lam, Laghman province from the outset with the support of the Governor of Laghman and NATO forces.

The ANA also fought throughout Ramazan, not only to recover their Afghan Army brothers, but to achieve the initial objective of Operation Badpesh Kam Dergi. As of today, all of the kidnapped soldiers and police officers have been accounted for and all of the Afghan fallen heroes have been recovered.

• Date Taken: 08.27.2010
• Date Posted: 08.27.2010 10:06
• Story ID: 55259
• Location: KABUL, AF