Afghan, Coalition Forces Disrupt Terrorist Network

American Forces Press Service

Feb. 26, 2009 - Afghan and coalition forces killed one militant and detained 10 suspected militants yesterday in Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Khowst provinces. In Nangarhar province's Kot district, Afghan special operations forces, aided by coalition forces, conducted an operation to disrupt foreign fighter facilitation and suicide-bomb networks. The forces were targeting a suspect believed to be directly involved in the Feb. 7 bomb attack that killed the Goshta sub-governor. He also is suspected of planning several attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the province.

After arriving at the targeted compound, an armed militant maneuvered on the combined forces with hostile intent. The forces responded, killing the militant. Three other suspected militants were detained without incident. During the operation, three women and 17 children were protected.

In Khowst province's Mandozi district, coalition forces and Afghan National Police targeted a Haqqani network operator believed to be linked to hostile actions against coalition forces in Khowst, including bomb strikes and suicide bomber facilitation.

During the operation, the combined forces searched several buildings on multiple compounds. An armed militant engaged the forces and suffered a superficial injury from a gunshot wound. Coalition forces provided medical treatment to the militant. Forces also detained six other militants.
Forces seized a pistol, shotgun and an AK-47 assault rifle in one of the buildings. During the operation, forces protected 19 women and 28 children.

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