Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill Insurgents, Find Weapons

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10, 2010 – Afghan and coalition forces today killed several insurgents, found weapons and confiscated drugs during operations in Afghanistan, military officials reported.

Insurgents attacked an Afghan-coalition foot patrol in Kunar province’s Sar Kani district. Coalition air support came to the troops’ aid, killing several members of the insurgent force.

Also today in Afghanistan, security forces detained several suspected insurgents and found seven stockpiles of weapons and drugs. Clearing operations in Kunduz, Kandahar, Khost and Helmand provinces netted more than 2,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition, 50 various rockets and mortar rounds, 12 hand grenades, eight Afghan National Army uniforms, four assault rifles, four rocket-propelled grenades and bomb-making materials.

Afghan and coalition forces also discovered a stockpile of medical supplies, including more than 1,000 pain pills, 48 intravenous fluid kits, 26 bottles of antibiotics and other medical supplies.

In operations yesterday:

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed several insurgents, including a Taliban leader, in Wardak province’s Chak-e Wardak district. Ismail Khan was active in weapons trafficking and sponsoring attacks on security forces throughout the province. Tips from local residents led Afghan and coalition forces to Khan’s location. As troops approached the compound, insurgents opened fire. Troops returned fire, killing several armed insurgents.

-- Two separate operations in southern Afghanistan resulted in 12 suspected insurgents captured. The operation in Helmand province netted 10 suspects with ties to a Taliban shadow governor in the province’s Gereshk district. The Kandahar operation resulted in two detainees allegedly connected to a Taliban network responsible for coordinating attacks in the region. The 12 insurgents were detained without incident.

-- In Khost province’s Sabari district, Afghan and coalition forces captured three insurgents, including a Haqqani network leader. Troops approached and searched the compound without incident.