Thursday, August 21, 2008

Afghan, Coalition Forces Disrupt Militants in Laghman Province

American Forces Press Service

Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2008 - More than 30 militants are dead after Afghan National
Army commandos and coalition forces conducted a cordon-and-search operation in Afghanistan's Laghman province yesterday to disrupt suspected Taliban safe havens and roadside-bombing cells, military officials reported. The operation took place in response to information gathered following a recent attack by militants on NATO International Security Assistance Forces in that area, officials said.

As Afghan and coalition forces approached the area, they were engaged by militants using small-arms fire. About 200 civilians, including women and children, were seen fleeing the area.

Once the area was clear of women and children, Afghan commandos and coalition forces returned fire on the militants and called for close-air support, destroying one enemy fighting position.

More than 30 militants were killed in the operation, and the commandos destroyed a large cache of mortar rounds and bomb-making materials.

A wounded militant was taken to a coalition medical facility for treatment. No civilian casualties were reported.

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 101 news release.)

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