Forces Kill Militants, Detain Suspects in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

Oct. 20, 2009 - Afghan and international security forces killed militants, detained several suspects and seized weapons today in Afghanistan, military officials reported. A combined force killed enemy militants and detained suspected militants after searching two compounds known to be used by a Taliban commander and his element in Wardak province's Jaghatu district.

The suspects are believed to be responsible for guiding and directing other militant elements to conduct attacks in the area.

During the search, enemy militants displayed hostile intent outside of the compounds. The force used precision aerial fire to kill several armed militants posing a threat to the force. The force killed another armed militant who displayed hostile intent inside the compound.

The force also seized assault rifles, hand grenades, ammunition, ammunition belts and communication gear. All items were destroyed in place.

Meanwhile, a combined force detained several suspected militants after searching compounds in Khowst province's Sabari district. The compounds are known to be used by a Haqqani terrorist leader believed responsible for the supply of weapons and homemade bombs to other militant elements in the region.

The force conducted the search without incident. One of the suspects was identified as the sought-after Haqqani leader.
No Afghan civilians were harmed during the operations.

(From a NATO International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan news release.)