Combined force tracks insurgents planting IEDs

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

09.17.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL - While on routine aerial patrol, Afghan and coalition forces spotted insurgents emplacing improvised explosive devices along Route 515 near Soltan e Bakwah in the Bakwah District of Farah province Sept. 17.

An aerial reconnaissance asset spotted the insurgents emplacing IEDs along the road and followed the insurgents back to their compound.

An Afghan and coalition security force rapid response element then moved to the insurgent location.

As the combined force landed by helicopter and approached the insurgent compound, they received heavy, persistent and accurate small-arms fire from multiple locations. The force decided to call for close-air support to allow them to move back to the helicopters. The insurgents continued to fire at the combined force and helicopters as they departed the area.

The close-air support aircraft continued to receive heavy small-arms fire and multiple hits to the aircraft as they provided cover to the extracting force. The aircraft continued to fire at the insurgent compound until the insurgent fire ceased.

• Date Taken: 09.17.2010
• Date Posted: 09.17.2010 20:11
• Story ID: 56512
• Location: KABUL, AF