KABUL, Afghanistan — Members of the Afghan national security forces, advised by coalition forces, confiscated 600 pounds of narcotics and killed seven armed militants last night during operations in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand province.
Prompted by local reports of Taliban activities in the area, ANSF conducted a cordon and search operation of a number of compounds in a known insurgent safe haven and narcotics hub. The Afghan-led force discovered 600 pounds of opium, one AK-47 with 1,000 rounds and remote-controlled bomb-making components during the search.
A trauma room was also discovered within the compound fully stocked with medical supplies and ready to treat militant casualties.
As the combined forces were searching the compounds, coalition air support helicopters began receiving small-arms fire from militants on the ground. They returned fire killing five armed militants. Two more armed insurgents were killed as they prepared to set up an ambush for ANSF.
Three suspected militants were taken into custody by ANSF.
No ANSF, coalition forces or civilian injuries have been reported.