Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Militants, Detain Taliban Commander

American Forces Press Service

Oct. 7, 2008 - Afghan national security forces and coalition forces killed 43 militants in Qalat district of Afghanistan's Zabul province Oct. 5, military officials reported. Afghan and coalition forces on patrol received heavy weapons, machine-gun and sniper fire from militants in multiple locations. The combined forces responded with small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire as well as close-air support, killing the militants.

A coalition forces contracted civilian employee was wounded by enemy fire and was taken to a coalition medical facility. A roadside bomb discovered in a remote area during the incident was destroyed in place. Several weapons were also recovered from the site, officials said.

Elsewhere, members of the National Directorate of Security and coalition forces captured a Taliban commander and three additional persons of interest in Kandahar on Oct. 5.

Hafiz Abdul Khaliq, a known Taliban commander, and three militants were located through intelligence reports in known safe houses in the province's Panjwayi district. Hafiz Abdul Khaliq is responsible for several attacks against Afghan national security forces and coalition forces, officials said.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)