Coalition Troops Kill 19 Militants, Detain 3 in Eastern Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

Nov. 2, 2008 - Coalition forces killed 19 armed militants and detained three suspects Oct. 31 during multiple operations to disrupt the Haqqani, Taliban, and al-Qaida homemade-bomb and foreign-fighter networks in eastern Afghanistan. In Dara Noor District, coalition forces targeted a known al-Qaida leader believed to facilitate the movement of foreign fighters and weapons into Konar province. The leader also is believed to be in contact with other militants in the region, coordinating attacks against coalition forces and civilians.

As the forces began a search of the targeted compound they were immediately engaged by two armed militants inside the first building. Coalition forces responded with small-arms fire, killing both militants.

Following the engagement, the forces moved to a second building in the compound. As they approached the building multiple armed militants exited the building, attempting to maneuver on the forces and engaging them with small-arms fire.

Coalition forces returned fire, killing five armed militants, including one armed female. One suspect was detained during the operation.

A second operation, in Nadar Shahkot District, targeted a militant known to have ties to both the Taliban and Haqqani terrorist networks. The target also is known to coordinate and direct bomb attacks in the region.

As the troops approached the vehicle the target was in, he and another militant inside reached for AK-47s. Faced with the hostile intent, the forces engaged both small-arms fire, killing them.

Upon a search of the vehicle, coalition forces discovered explosives. The vehicle was destroyed because of the threat it presented to both the forces and local civilians.

Also in Nader Shah Kowt, Coalition forces killed 10 armed militants and detained two suspects during an operation directed at a known Haqqani facilitator of homemade bombs and suicide bombers.

As the forces attempted to search the compound they were engaged by several groups of armed militants with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades. Coalition forces responded with small-arms fire, killing six, including the targeted Haqqani militant.

A search of the compound revealed multiple AK-47s, an RPG, RPG rounds, a pistol and other military style equipment.

As the forces attempted to leave the compound they took heavy fire from militants inside a building. Coalition forces engaged the militants with precision, close-air support to neutralize the threat.

(From a U.S. Forces Afghanistan news release.)