Combined Forces Work to Disrupt Militant Recruiting Operations

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 5, 2007 - An Afghan and coalition forces operation yesterday in Afghanistan's Ghazni province disrupted foreign fighter and Taliban recruiting networks. Six people were detained, one of whom was wounded, and two other militants were killed. Afghan and coalition forces conducted a search of several compounds in the Deh Yak district of Ghazni province, where intelligence reports indicated militant recruiting networks were operating.

During the search of several buildings on one of the compounds, Afghan and coalition forces detained three individuals suspected to be linked with militant recruiting facilitators.

While performing a search on another set of compounds in the district, the combined forces were fired upon from one of the buildings on the compound. Simultaneously, several suspected militants fled the compound area on foot. The combined forces returned fire, killing two militants and wounding one other. They also pursued and detained two individuals with possible ties to militant recruiting facilitators.

"Afghan and coalition forces made significant strides to disrupt militant operations aimed at recruiting young Afghan males into an extremist organization of false promises, suicide bombers and terrorism," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman.

The wounded militant was treated on site and transported to a medical facility for possible follow on medical care.

The detained individuals will be questioned as to their involvement foreign fighter and Taliban recruiting networks as well as extremist activities.

Afghan and Coalition forces also recovered several weapons that were removed to prevent further use.

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)