Coalition forces target road side bombers in Zabul

USF-A PRESS RELEASE

January 1, 2009

Release Number 20090101-01

KABUL, Afghanistan - Coalition forces killed eight armed Taliban

militants and detained one suspected militant during an operation to

disrupt the foreign fighter and roadside bomb network in Zabul Province,

Wednesday.

In Arghandad District, approximately 120km northeast of Kandahar

City, Coalition forces targeted a Taliban sub-commander wanted for his

ties to the roadside bombing network along Highway One and recent

attacks against Coalition forces in Zabul Province. He is also assessed

to traffic foreign fighters into the region.

During the operation Coalition forces gave explicit instruction

for all individuals to exit the building peacefully. Adhering to the

instructions, four women and ten children exited and were protected by

the force and moved to a safe location. Several armed militants refused

to exit the compound. These militants presented a threat to the force

and had to be engaged with small-arms fire, killing six. A search of

the targeted compound revealed multiple AK-47 assault rifles, pistols

and hand grenades. Coalition forces confiscated these items to prevent

future use.

As Coalition forces left the targeted building armed militants

moving along a nearby ridge attempted to maneuver on and engage the

force. Realizing the imminent threat Coalition forces engaged the

militants with precision close-air fire support, killing two armed

militants.

"Roadside bombers and those who support them are a threat to the

Afghan people and their livelihood, as well as to all security forces

operating in Afghanistan," said Col Jerry O’Hara a U.S. Forces

spokesman. ‘We will continue these capture/kill operations until the

roadside bomb networks stop, simple as that."

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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