Monday, February 02, 2009

Coalition Troops, Afghan Police Rescue Captive, Detain Kidnappers

American Forces Press Service

Feb. 2, 2009 - Afghan National Police and coalition forces yesterday rescued a man held against his will and detained his captors in Afghanistan's Khowst province. The combined force rescued the Afghan man and detained his three captors in the province's Sabari district, about 80 miles southeast of Kabul City.

Officials said the combined force captured the militants after conducting multiple raids on their group, which is connected to a bomb-making cell in district.

The group also is known to be involved in trafficking weapons and enemy fighters from Pakistan, attacking coalition convoys and destroying Afghan infrastructure, officials added.

A medical team evaluated the rescued man, who was listed in fair condition.

No shots were fired, no civilians were injured, and no property was damaged, officials said.

"The success of this operation results from the close cooperation of the Afghan National Police and coalition forces," Zemarai Bashary, an Afghanistan Interior Ministry spokesman, said. "The combined forces will continue to successfully execute operations that tear down militant networks, while protecting innocent civilians."

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

No comments: