KABUL, Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Force regrets that civilians were killed Jan. 15 during a deliberately-planned, Afghan-led clearing operation to disrupt insurgent activity in Ghorband district, Parwan province.
The mission, led by commandos of the 6th Special Operations Kandak and supported by ISAF special operations advisers, was conducted to disrupt insurgent activities in the district, including attacks on Bagram Airfield, and in support of Afghan National Security Forces' tactical priorities. Local district and provincial officials were informed in advance of the operation and were provided updates during and after the actions.
The operation was conducted in a high threat area with Taliban activity, some linked to the Haqqani network. The insurgents in this area enjoy freedom of movement allowing them to harass and threaten the local population as well as stage and facilitate attacks. The majority of the intelligence for the operation was provided by Afghan forces. Qari Nazar Gul, Taliban Deputy Shadow Governor for Parwan Province and a member of the senior Taliban Commission, was known to operate in the area. Gul has ties to the Haqqani network and transports weapons, fighters and suicide bombers to Parwan and Kabul. Gul has conducted attacks against ANSF and coalition forces including a complex attack at Bagram Airfield.
Noorullah is a mid-level Taliban Commander in Ghorband district who coordinates attacks and emplaces IEDs targeting ANSF patrols and check points in the area where this operation was conducted. He also distributes weapons, ammunition and rockets to Taliban fighters.
While moving through Ghorband district, ANSF commandos and their coalition advisers came under heavy fire from insurgents, resulting in the death of one ISAF service member. The force required defensive air support to suppress the enemy fire from two compounds. According to initial operational reports, at least 10 insurgents were killed. Tragically, two civilians inside a building from which insurgents were firing on the commandos were killed.
The force recovered insurgent ammunition and weapons, as well as several Afghan National Army uniforms during the operation.
ISAF regrets any civilian casualties and will continue working with our Afghan partners to determine all the facts surrounding this incident.