Press Release
United States Forces-Afghanistan
January 2, 2009
Release Number 20090201-01
ANA, and Coalition forces disrupt roadside bombers in Khost and Zabul
KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and Coalition forces killed five armed
militants and detained ten suspected militants, including the targeted
Haqqani militant and Taliban sub-commander, during multiple operations
to disrupt terrorist operations in Khost and Zabul provinces, Thursday.
Afghan National Army and Coalition forces netted the targeted Haqqani
facilitator during the successful combined operation that left five
armed militants dead and seven suspected militants detained. In Sabari
District, approximately 160 km southeast of Kabul City, the combined
force targeted the Haqqani militant believed to plan and execute attacks
against Coalition forces in Khost province.
As the combined force approached the militant’s compound, multiple armed
militants exited the buildings and attempted to maneuver on the force.
Members of the combined force moved to interdict the militants and were
engaged by enemy small-arms fire and hand grenades. The combined force
returned fire, engaging the armed militants with small-arms and
close-air precision munitions, and killed five armed militants. A
search of the militants revealed several hand grenades, multiple AK-47s,
pistols and other military equipment.
Meanwhile, the remainder of the combined force continued the search of
the targeted building, and found three bags of roadside bomb-making
material, including blasting caps, remote detonators and wires. These
items were confiscated by the force to prevent future use.
The operation in Qalat District, approximately 120 km northeast of
Kandahar, resulted in the capture of a Taliban sub-commander known to
plan and execute roadside bombs and direct attacks against Coalition
forces along Highway One. He is also believed to facilitate the
movement of weapons into the Zabul province for illegal activities.
Coalition forces searched the targeted compound without incident and
detained two additional suspected militants while protecting nine women
and 20 children.
"Coalition forces and our partners in the Afghan National Army will
continue to aggressively pursue road side bombers and those who would
bring harm to the Afghan people," said Col. Jerry O’Hara, U.S. Forces
Afghanistan spokesperson. "The best weapon against these criminals is
the active involvement from the Afghan people."
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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