By Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan Public Affairs
BADGHIS PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Afghan 9th Commando Kandak, advised and assisted by a U.S. Marine Special Operations Team, removed one insurgent commander and several insurgent fighters in a combat operation ending March 20.
The purpose of the operation was to disrupt insurgent fighters, weapons, and financial networks near Tangi Buzbai village in Bala Murghab District, a known enemy safe-haven. During the operation, the 9th Commandos conducted patrols in order to deny insurgents freedom of movement and access to local villages.
While on the patrol, the force was engaged with small arms and machine gun fire from various locations. The Afghan-led force returned fire to repel the insurgents, killing five in the exchange. No civilians were injured and no collateral damage caused as a result of the engagement.
Among the killed was an insurgent senior leader who is responsible for multiple attacks against Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces in the area, including an indirect fire attack on a Coalition forward operating base in mid January.
“The Commandos were inserted into a known enemy safe-haven, fought the insurgents in the area for the first hours of the operation, then spent the following hours conducting patrols and offering assistance to the local populace who has been forced to live under the control of the insurgents,” the Marine Special Operations Team, team leader said.
“As the premier action force of the Afghan National Army, the Commandos are specifically set up to go into insurgent controlled areas where there is a high likelihood of [contact with insurgents],” the team leader said. “Once there, the Commandos go out of their way to ensure the safety of the local populace, while simultaneously reducing the enemy threat in the region.”
Every operation conducted in Badghis province is requested by the provincial leadership with the support of local village leaders. Both parties welcome an ANSF and Coalition force presence to remove insurgents from their villages.
The security of the Murghab River Valley is of great importance to the Afghan government, which hopes to increase security and stability in the area.
“Any progress made to support this initiative is a great accomplishment for the 9th Commando Kandak,” the team leader said.
| Date Taken: |
03.20.2011 |
| Date Posted: |
03.27.2011 22:57 |
| Story ID: |
67818 |
| Location: |
BALA MURGHAB, AF |
| Web Views: |
202 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
Subscribe
