Afghan, coalition forces conduct operations in Paktiya

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.29.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL- Afghan and coalition forces conducted operations in Paktiya province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban commander for coordinating and conducting indirect fire and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

The commander, Naman, also coordinated the movement of improvised explosive devices, ammunition, supplies and fighters. He was killed in the operation, along with seven other insurgents.

As the security force approached the targeted compounds west of Kowti Sheyl in Zormat District, several armed insurgents ran from the compounds. Two of the insurgents hid in a wadi outside the compound and were engaged by coalition aircraft after they threatened the security force.

Two additional armed insurgents ran in a different direction.

As the security force attempted to interdict them, the insurgents demonstrated hostile intent and were also killed. During a follow-on inspection, the security force found automatic weapons, grenades, magazines and IED-making material with the insurgents.

In the compound, four insurgents hid inside one of the buildings and engaged the force with a machine gun as they attempted to clear the building. The security force returned fire and killed the insurgents.

Inside the building, the security force found the machine gun, multiple automatic weapons, 16 grenades, 25 magazines, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher with multiple rounds and a bayonet. They also found IED-making material including blasting caps and other components in the building.

After the fighting ceased, Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the remainder of the buildings. After questioning the residents on scene, the security force detained several insurgents.

"The Taliban use callous and irresponsible tactics, which regularly puts the Afghan people in harm's way," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "Afghan and coalition forces will do everything in their power to take those responsible off the streets and establish safe living conditions for the Afghan people."

The security force protected the women and children for the duration of the search.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2010
• Date Posted: 08.29.2010 00:55
• Story ID: 55330
• Location: KABUL, AF