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Press Release | Dec. 15, 2008

Coalition forces maintain pressure in Kabul and Zabul provinces

By None , U.S. Forces - Afghanistan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 13, 2008                                                                            

Release Number 20081312-01

Coalition forces maintain pressure in Kabul and Zabul provinces

KABUL, Afghanistan –  Coalition forces killed one militant and detained sixteen suspected militants during operations targeting Hizb-e-Islami Gulbuddin (HIG) and Taliban commanders in Kabul and Zabul provinces, Friday.

In Surobi District, approximately 30 km northeast of Kabul, Coalition forces detained eight suspected militants during a raid targeting a HIG commander that yielded a cache of weapons and explosives.

The successful operation targeted a HIG commander, known to traffic weapons and explosives into Kabul, used to conduct attacks against innocent civilians, GIRoA and Coalition forces.  The force searched the compound without incident.  During the search, Coalition forces discovered a cache of weapons and explosives inside the compound including: multiple Russian claymores, ten AK-47s, 20 grenades and other military equipment.  The weapons and explosive cache was destroyed to prevent future use.

“Afghanistan’s safety and security are at the forefront of every Coalition forces’ operation,” said Col. Jerry O’Hara, U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesperson.  “Destruction of weapons and explosives ensures militants are denied the use to cause further harm to innocent Afghan people and combined forces.”

In Zabul province’s Shah Joy District, approximately 140 km northeast of Kandahar, Coalition forces killed one militant and detained eight suspected militants during an operation targeting both a Taliban commander and one of his militant fighters.  This Taliban commander is known to coordinate and direct militant activities throughout the district.  Specifically, Taliban fighters in the area have conducted multiple attacks against GIRoA officials and Coalition forces aimed at destabilizing the region.

During the operation, Coalition forces killed one militant armed with an AK-47, grenades and other military equipment after he engaged the force.

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United States Forces Afghanistan’s mission, in coordination with NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, is to conduct operations to defeat terrorist networks and insurgents by developing effective governance and building the Afghan National Security Force.  Effective security throughout the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan facilitates continued regional stability and increases economic development for the people of Afghanistan.

Contact Information – US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office

Tel +93 (0) 799 51 2919 or cell phone 0093 (0) 788 189 049

USFOR-A-MediaRelations@afghan.swa.army.mil