FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2008
Release Number 20080812-01
ANSF, Coalition forces disrupt terrorist activities in Helmand province
KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces killed six militants during a security patrol Sunday in Sangin District, Helmand province, located approximately 105 km northeast of Kandahar.
The combined forces positively identified an armed enemy reconnaissance element posing an imminent threat to the patrol and engaged it with small-arms fire and killed two militants.
In a separate incident the combined forces received enemy small-arms fire from militants in a concealed position along the patrol route. Troops responded with small-arms fire and killed four militants.
Two IEDs were also discovered in separate locations on the route, which is a road frequently travelled by local villagers. Coalition forces destroyed the IEDs on site.
“Every munition we take down potentially saves one Afghans life,” said Col. Jerry O’Hara, U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman. “The combined forces will continue to pursue the militants and succeed in saving Afghan lives.”
No ANSF, Coalition forces or civilian casualties have been reported.
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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