Afghan National Army commandos from the 8th Commando Kandak patrol during a combat operation near the village of Meta Kheyl, Oct. 4. U.S. special operations forces, partnered with Afghan National Army Commandos, conducted cordon and search operations to disrupt insurgent safe havens in the area. (Photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Robert Fluegel)
GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan (October 2, 2011) — Members of the 8th Kandak, Afghan National Army commandos partnered with coalition special operations forces to conduct a two-day clearing operation in the Nawa district, which began, Oct 2.
During the operation, the partnered forces located and destroyed over 2,000 pounds of homemade explosives. They also discovered an AK-47 with four magazines, two bolt action rifles and a Chinese 82 mm mortar case.
Following the clearance, the partnered force met more than 250 villagers to discuss the impact of the operation and ways the villagers can improve security in their area.
“The people near Meta Kheyl village were open to discussing the movement of insurgent personnel through their village. They were willing to engage with Afghan and coalition security forces. That is a step in the right direction for building relationships and rapport,” a coalition SOF team member said.
No civilians were harmed or property damaged during the operation.