Troops Detain Two, Nab Weapons, Aid Attack Victims in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

Dec. 17, 2007 - Afghan and coalition troops detained two suspected Taliban members, seized weapons caches, and administered vital medical treatment to bombing victims in Afghanistan over the past week, military officials said. Afghan National Police officers arrested two suspected Taliban insurgents in Nangarhar province Dec. 14. The suspects allegedly have assisted suicide bombers and have possible ties to improvised-explosive-device trafficking, military officials said.

"Afghan national security forces continue to successfully perform counterinsurgency operations," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. "The actions of these soldiers demonstrate the steady development of the (Afghan national security forces)."

Elsewhere in Afghanistan on Dec. 14, combined forces executed a weapons-clearing mission after Afghan citizens identified caches in the Rodat district of Ragham. While searching the targeted area, troops recovered about 70 85 mm recoilless-rifle rounds. Acting on tips from Afghan citizens in the Achin district of Desarak the same day, combined forces confiscated several rocket-propelled grenades, 82 mm mortars and 85 mm recoilless-rifle rounds.

Through the "Small Rewards Program," Afghan citizens receive compensation when they help coalition forces recover armament caches, military officials said.

"Afghan citizens have taken an active role in improving the security and stability within their villages by facilitating the recovery of munitions caches," Belcher said. "We value all credible information provided by Afghan citizens and protect their confidentiality."

In the Tarin Kowt district of Oruzgan province Dec. 13, Afghan and coalition forces responded to an improvised-explosive-device attack that destroyed a civilian mini bus, killing six civilians and wounding seven other. The Afghan National Police quickly surrounded the area, secured the site, and administered treatment that saved seven injured civilians' lives, military officials said. Afghan police members also detained two individuals allegedly connected to the bombing.

"The (Afghan National Police's) quick reaction saved the lives of the wounded and illustrates (their) commitment to the welfare of the Afghans in Tarin Kowt," a coalition soldier said.

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