Forces Conclude Operations Near Pakistan Border

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2011 – Afghan and coalition forces concluded operations in the Marawara district of Kunar province today after clearing out insurgent fighters near the villages of Sarowbay, Barawarlow Kalay, Shirugay, Kowtgay and the surrounding area, military officials reported.

The combined security force moved into a mountainous area near the Pakistan border to disrupt insurgent activities in the region and protect citizens who live there. More than 80 insurgents were killed in the operation.

Insurgents had been using the area to move supplies and men into Kunar province and to stage attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. The insurgents in the targeted area were tied to kidnappings, intimidation and numerous attacks throughout the province. More than 100 insurgents were engaged during the offensive operation that took place near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

"I considered the operation to be very effective bringing security and stability to the area. In cooperation with our international friends, we disrupted insurgents' safe havens,” said Afghan army Maj. Shirin Agha, public affairs officer, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 201st Corps. “Most importantly, there weren’t any civilian casualties.”

During the operations Afghan and coalition forces found numerous weapons caches, seizing several uniforms, more than 1,100 machine-gun rounds, 2,000 rounds of AK-47 rifle ammunition, more than 200 hand grenades, 33 rocket-propelled grenades, 22 recoilless-rifle rounds, nine mines, several sniper and AK-47 rifles, six heavy machine guns, six mortar rounds, improvised explosive device-making materials and Taliban propaganda.

Afghan and coalition forces also captured a radio station that had been used as part of a network that directed attacks on civilians and recruited weapons and money.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined Afghan and coalition force killed several insurgents, detained numerous suspected insurgents and discovered a weapons cache during a security operation in the Qaisar district of Faryab province. The forces disrupted a Taliban safe haven known for improvised explosive device activity and weapons cache sites near Khwaja Kinti village in the district. While conducting the search, the combined security force was attacked by insurgents. The force engaged the individuals, killing several. They also detained numerous suspected insurgents for further questioning. The force discovered and destroyed a weapons cache with two IED pressure plates, ammunition for multiple weapons systems, three 100-foot spools of detonation cord, three chest racks, multiple rocket-propelled grenade rounds, one RPG propellant, 11 RPG boosters, 10 pounds of ammonium nitrate, one main charge for an explosive, two 107 mm warheads, two 82 mm mortar rounds, and numerous vests with sniper rifle rounds sewn into the inside of the pockets.

-- A combined Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban leader and two other suspected insurgents during a raid in the Andar district of Ghazni province. The cell leader was an IED expert who maintained connections with Taliban leadership in the area.

-- An Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban leader and detained one suspected insurgent during a security operation in Baraki Barak in Logar province. The leader facilitated IED components and coordinated attacks with other insurgent leaders in the district. Also in Baraki Barak, a separate combined force captured a Taliban facilitator and one suspected insurgent. The facilitator provided ammunition and IED materials to Taliban associates.

-- In Wardak, a combined Afghan and coalition force detained numerous insurgents while searching for a Hezb-E Islami Gulbuddin network leader in the Nerkh district. The network leader raises funds in order to plan and coordinate attacks against Afghan and coalition forces with other Hezb-E Islami Gulbuddin leaders in the district. Fifty pounds of marijuana was discovered and safely destroyed. No shots fired and no civilians harmed during the operation.

-- A combined Afghan and coalition force detained numerous suspected insurgents while targeting a Taliban leader during a security operation in the Zharay district of Kandahar province. The leader acquires IED components for distribution throughout the district. He also facilitates the coordination and execution of IED attacks.

-- An ISAF patrol operating in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province discovered a weapons cache consisting of more than 200 7.62 mm rounds, 50 commercial detonators, 22 pounds of explosive chemicals, assorted transmitters, receivers and other components. The explosive materials were destroyed on site.

-- Afghan and ISAF troops repelled an insurgent attack and discovered a large narcotics cache in the Khash Rod district of Nimroz province. A combined security patrol was engaged by several insurgents with small-arms fire. The combined forces returned fire, forcing the insurgents to flee. The security patrol found a large narcotics cache consisting of 220 pounds of opium, 17 pounds of heroin, and chemicals and narcotics paraphernalia, one heavy machine gun, one AK-47 rifle, one shotgun and three full AK-47 magazines.

-- During separate clearing operations in Helmand province’s Musa Qal’ah district, two ISAF patrols observed several armed insurgents displaying hostile intent against coalition forces. After establishing positive identification, the ISAF patrols engaged the enemy positions killing the insurgents.

-- In the Nahr-e Saraj district, an Afghan army and ISAF patrol was engaged by insurgents. The combined patrol returned fire and called for air support. The air weapons team killed two insurgents.

-- In Kandahar province Afghan and ISAF troops found several weapons caches in the Arghandab district. The caches consisted of one AK-47 rifle, multiple anti-personnel mines, hand grenades, multiple automatic weapons, heavy machine guns, individual and belt ammunition and several IED-making components.

-- In the Chorah district of Uruzgan province, a combined patrol discovered a weapons cache consisting of 1,000 7.62 mm rounds, seven rocket-propelled grenade rounds and seven RPG motors.

-- In the Shindand district of Herat province, an Afghan civilian turned in a weapons cache to coalition officials. The cache consisted of 30 mortar rounds and several types of ammunition.