Coalition, Afghan Troops Kill 22 Militants, Capture Seven

American Forces Press Service

Oct. 1, 2007 - Coalition and Afghan troops killed 22 militants and captured seven during separate operations in Afghanistan's Zabul and Helmand provinces today, officials reported. Two militants were killed, another was wounded and detained and six more were detained by Afghan and coalition forces during an anti-terrorist raid conducted in Zabul province's Shajoy district early today. The Afghan-coalition team also found "significant numbers" of weapons and ammunition during a search of the area, according to officials.

"Afghan and coalition forces exercised extreme discipline while under fire," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "They used effective communication and applied the necessary amount of force needed to eliminate the threat to the team while minimizing collateral damage."

Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition troops defeated militant forces in Helmand province today. Afghan and coalition troops were passing through the province's Reeg district when they came under enemy fire. At least 20 militants were killed in the ensuing firefight.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)