KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan commandos with the 201st Corps, advised by coalition forces, killed 19 militants during overnight operations in Helgal Valley, Shakail Shatel District, Kunar province, on May 1-2.
The Afghan-led force was conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol approximately 150 miles east of Kabul in an area of known militant presence when they were attacked by several armed militants with small-arms fire from a wooded area.
The combined force positively identified the enemy's position and, after ensuring there were no non-combatants in the area, returned fire on the militants and called for close-air support, killing seven militants.
The remaining militants attempted to reposition themselves on a ridgeline but the commandos maintained positive identification of their location. The force engaged the militants again with close-air support, killing 12 militants.
"This engagement was another blow to militant operations in eastern Afghanistan," said a coalition spokesperson. "Due to the expertise of these elite forces the insurgents are quickly losing their ability to operate in the region."
No Afghan commando, coalition forces or civilian casualties have been reported.
Operations are still ongoing.