FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2009
Release Number 20090901-03
Laghman Province operation follow-up
KABUL, Afghanistan — On Wednesday morning Coalition forces killed 32 armed insurgents including one female, detained one suspected militant, and destroyed a cache of weapons, explosives and roadside bomb materials during an operation to disrupt the Taliban’s roadside bomb network in Alishang District, located in Laghman Province.
After the operation, local Afghan officials met with Coalition forces and confirmed that all 32 killed were hostile militants. An Afghan governor approved a radio announcement stating these facts.
“We stand by our initial news release, that 32 insurgents were killed during the operation,” said Col Jerry O’Hara, a U.S. Forces-Afghanistan spokesman. “The enemy combatants used girls and older men to shield their advance. It is important to note that acting as sentries and spotters takes away any claims of being a noncombatant. We go through great lengths to avoid civilian casualties and take responsibility when we inadvertently cause injuries or casualties.”
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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
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