Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill 16 Militants

American Forces Press Service

Feb. 24, 2009 - Soldiers from the Afghan National Army, aided by coalition forces, killed 16 militants in Afghanistan's Helmand province yesterday, military officials reported.

The combined forces were conducting a routine patrol when their convoy came under heavy small-arms fire. The forces responded with small-arms fire. The militants then began firing mortars and rocket-propelled grenades.

As the threat escalated, the forces responded with several precision strikes to kill the militant. Prior to the strikes, the forces assured there were no noncombatants in the area.

Following the strike, the Afghan National Army cleared the compound from which the militants had been firing. The combined forces discovered bomb-making materials, which they destroyed in place.

No Afghan or coalition forces or noncombatant casualties were reported, official said.