FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2008
Release Number 20081212-01a
Coalition forces disrupt Haqqani network in Paktia
KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces detained nine suspected militants during an operation to disrupt the Haqqani terrorist network in Paktia province, Thursday.
The operation in Zadran District, located approximately 135 km south of Kabul, targeted a Haqqani militant believed to assist with the movement of Islamic Jihadist Union (IJU) and other foreign fighters into Paktia. Intelligence also suggests the militant is in direct contact with other senior Haqqani leaders who plan and coordinate roadside bomb and other malicious attacks against innocent civilians, GIRoA and Coalition forces.
Coalition forces searched the targeted compound without incident, and detained nine suspected militants while protecting 11 women and 27 children.
“Every time Coalition forces take down a terrorist network, the safer Afghanistan becomes,” said Col. Jerry O’Hara, U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesperson. “Our focus is to partner with Afghan security forces to improve security for the Afghan people so that many other critical efforts can take hold like development, rule of law and good governance.
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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