Afghan National Security Forces and members of the Coalition Provincial Development Stabilization Team assess the aftermath of a suicide attack, Oct. 15, at Forward Operating Base Lion in Panjshir province. (Courtesy Photo)
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (October 16, 2011) — Tactical mistakes by insurgents in eastern Afghanistan over the past weeks resulted in at least three failed attacks against Afghan and coalition targets.
“This is a direct demonstration of the increasing effectiveness of the Afghan security forces in eastern Afghanistan,” said Brig. Gen. Gary Volesky, deputy commanding general, Regional Command-East. “Frequently, the insurgents are coming up against a more professional and committed Afghan force.”
Afghan Uniformed Police prevented a complex attack against the municipal building in Gardez, Paktiya province, Oct.16. Insurgents again attempted to attack using a vehicle bomb and suicide vests. AUP officers shot and killed all three insurgents wearing suicide vests. The vehicle detonated, martyring one AUP officer and a municipal worker.
On Oct. 15, Afghan security forces prevented a complex attack against a combined base in the Rukhah district, Panjshir province.
Five insurgents were killed after they attacked the base with a vehicle bomb and suicide vests. Afghan security forces shot and killed four of the attackers, the fifth detonated his vehicle bomb with little effect against the base.
Two Afghan civilians were martyred in the vehicle blast and two Afghan security guards were injured during the attack.
Afghan and coalition forces killed 17 insurgents after a complex attack near the Nari district, Kunar province, Oct.14. Insurgents attacked with small arms and mortars. There were no reports of Afghan Army, coalition or civilian casualties
On Oct. 8, in the largest insurgent attack since 2009, Coalition aircraft and artillery fire, killed at least 25 insurgents who were attempting to penetrate Coalition bases in Paktika province. Insurgents unsuccessfully used indirect fire from multiple locations in Gormal, Sarobi and Barmal districts against Afghan and Coalition bases.
One Coalition member was slightly wounded during the attacks.
“Insurgent failures demonstrate an increase in the capability and capacity of our Afghan partners,” Volesky said.