KABUL, Afghanistan - Several Afghan civilians fought back against insurgents who attacked fellow citizens while they prayed in a mosque Monday in the area of Marjah in Helmand province. The attack resulted in the death of two civilians and the wounding of one other.
Following the attack, Marjah elders rallied citizens to pursue the insurgents. During the pursuit, the elders informed Afghan National Civil Order Police forces of the incident. The ANCOP commander quickly launched his forces in support of the citizens.
The combined citizen and ANCOP force located the insurgents and engaged them with small-arms fire. A small ISAF unit was used to establish perimeter security. The ANCOP then swept the area and detained four of the insurgents suspected of conducting the attack at the mosque.
"This continues to demonstrate the partnership capabilities between the local people of Marjah alongside ANCOP and coalition forces," said Lt. Col. Chris Hughes, Regional Command Southwest Public Affairs Officer.