Afghan, Coalition Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2011 – Afghan and coalition forces killed several insurgents and detained several others in recent operations throughout Afghanistan, military officials reported.

Coalition troops at a combat outpost in Helmand province’s Kajaki district saw several insurgents planting roadside bombs nearby. Troops requested artillery fire, which killed the insurgents and destroyed the explosive devices.

In other operations yesterday:

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed two armed militants and detained another in Ghazni province’s Rashidan district. Tips from local residents led security forces to a Taliban weapons trafficker’s alleged location. One militant was killed and another was detained after they opened fire on the patrol. Another armed militant was killed as troops searched inside a building. A third armed insurgent was killed after engaging the troops from a neighboring building. Security forces also confiscated several assault rifles, pistols and ammunition.

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed two armed militants in Wardak province’s Chak-e Wardak district. The security force was searching for a Taliban weapons trafficker responsible for providing machine guns and other munitions to enemy fighters in the area. The troops were attacked immediately upon arriving at the trafficker’s reported location and killed two insurgents in the fighting.

-- Afghan and coalition forces used a precision airstrike to kill two insurgents spotted planting roadside bombs in Helmand province’s Qalah district.

-- Also in Helmand province, security forces killed two enemy fighters and wounded several others when insurgents attacked a coalition patrol in the province’s Sangin district. Troops overcame the attack and continued their operation.

-- Security forces in Kandahar province detained several suspected insurgents, including a Taliban leader linked to attacks in Kandahar City.

-- Afghan and coalition forces in Nimroz province’s Khosh Rod district detained suspected insurgents in an operation that targeted a Taliban weapons trafficker believed to be responsible for supplying bombs to militants throughout the northern region of the province.

Afghan and coalition forces yesterday also found several weapons stockpiles throughout the country. Operations netted 190 assault rifles and pistols, 37 artillery and mortar rounds, 19 rocket-propelled grenades, five rifles, four anti-tank mines and various small-arms ammunition. Security forces also confiscated 176 pounds of hashish, 150 pounds of poppy, 44 pounds of opium and 26 pounds of heroin.