Coalition Forces Disrupt Militant Networks in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

June 25, 2008 - Coalition aircrews killed about 22 militants who were attacking district centers in Paktika province yesterday, as Coalition forces continue to disrupt militant networks in Afghanistan, officials said. Afghan national police were attacked with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades in the Sarobi district center. They responded with small-arms fire and called in coalition air support. The militants then began attacking the Gomal district center, and coalition forces responded using close-air support to help Afghan police repel the attack.

In a separate incident, several militants attacked the Waze Zadran district center in Paktia province with small-arms fire, indirect fire and rocket-propelled grenades. Coalition forces aided Afghan police and provided force after the attack had been repelled.

In other operations yesterday:

-- Several militants were killed and 12 were detained during a coalition force operation in Helmand province targeting a militant leader suspected of financing terrorists and smuggling narcotics. Troops found AK-47 assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition vests and ammunition. They also uncovered a narcotics cache.

-- Five militants were detained during an operation to disrupt Taliban activities in Ghazni province. Coalition forces also searched multiple areas in Jaghatu district, targeting a Taliban leader known to facilitate foreign-fighter operations in the area. During the operation, coalition forces discovered an AK-47, an ammunition vest, ammunition, a shotgun, a grenade and an artillery round.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)