Afghan, Coalition Forces Conduct Successful Operations

American Forces Press Service

June 6, 2007 – Afghan and coalition forces detained 19 suspected militants, killed two dozen enemy fighters and discovered numerous enemy weapons during operations in Afghanistan over the past three days, military officials reported. In operations today, Afghan and coalition forces detained 10 militants in an operation against Taliban forces in the Qalat district of Zabul province.

Coalition forces acted on credible intelligence that led them to the suspected Taliban hideout, officials said. As forces began the operation, two men fled the scene with a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher and three grenades. Coalition forces fired warning shots and apprehended the two men. A search revealed an additional eight suspected local militants.

"Taliban militants who choose to take up arms against the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan are putting themselves and those around them in jeopardy," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "These insurgents will be brought to justice."

In operations yesterday, an unknown number of enemy fighters attacked elements of 1st Brigade, 205th Afghan National Army Corps, and coalition forces operating in Oruzgan province, officials said.

Afghan and coalition forces repelled two separate enemy attacks on the outer edge of Qadam village. Enemy fighters then retreated to a nearby compound and continued to fire on the friendly force. The combined force maneuvered to gain the advantage over the enemy fighters and directed coalition air support to drop munitions on the enemy position.

Afghan soldiers detained nine enemy fighters, discovered weapons, ammunition and two dead fighters during a follow-on search of the compound.

During operations June 4, an unknown number of enemy fighters attacked 209th Afghan National Army Corps soldiers and coalition forces in the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province.

Afghan and coalition forces received rocket and small-arms fire near a village north of Kandahar. The combined force returned fire at the enemy force then maneuvered to defendable fighting positions. Coalition close-air support was requested and munitions were dropped on three enemy positions, officials reported.

An estimated two dozen enemy fighters were killed during the four-hour battle, and no injuries to Afghan civilian were reported.

"Enemy fighters are no match for the skill and determination of the Afghan National Army and coalition forces," Belcher said. "We will continue to pursue and defeat all enemy fighters who threaten the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan."

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)

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