Forces Disrupt Taliban Activity in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

June 25, 2009 - Afghan and coalition forces killed suspected militants and detained others today in operations to disrupt Taliban activity throughout Afghanistan. The force raided a compound in Helmand province believed to be the hideout of a Taliban commander with ties to Taliban operations within the province.

Upon arrival at the compound in the province's Nad Ali district, the force was engaged by small-arms fire from hostile militants. The force used direct fire and close-air support to repel the attack, killing several militants. The force also detained nearly a dozen suspected militants and seized several small-arms weapons, multiple chest racks and ammunition.

Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition forces raided a compound in Wardak province suspected of being the safe house of a Taliban commander. The commander is believed to be responsible for several attacks on Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces along Highway 1.

While clearing a compound in Wardak's Sayed Abad district, the force came upon and pursued a group of armed militants. As militants attempted to fire on the force, the force engaged them and eliminated the threat. A search revealed a militant wearing a suicide-bomb vest, small-arms weapons, chest racks and grenades. The force completed the search without further incident, detaining suspected militants.

In the Gelan district of Ghazni province, Afghan and coalition forces raided a compound believed to be the safe house of a key Taliban operator involved with the movement and support of foreign fighters into the region. While clearing the compound, the force encountered and eliminated the threat. The force completed the search without incident.

No Afghan, coalition forces or noncombatant injuries were reported.

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