KABUL, Afghanistan — Two separate groups of joint Afghan and coalition forces searched known militant compounds last night in Khowst and Paktika provinces to disrupt Haqqani network communication lines and the flow of money and weapons into the regions.
In Khowst province, the combined force targeted the compound, about 20 kilometers north of the city of Khowst, after intelligence indicated militant activity. A search of the compound was conducted without incident and two AK-47 rifles and one shotgun were confiscated. Five suspected militants were detained.
In Paktika province, the combined force targeted the compound, about 50 kilometers southeast of the city of Ghazni, after intelligence indicated militant activity. A search was conducted without incident and four suspected militants were detained.
Both provinces have seen increasing militant violence aimed at disrupting governance and security in the regions. Militant commanders continually seek to establish strongholds in these provinces to facilitate the movement of fighters, explosives and weapons into the country.
There were no ANA, coalition forces or civilian casualties during either incident.