Karzai, Allen Condemn Paktia Province Attack

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2011 – Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Marine Corps General John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, jointly condemned yesterday’s insurgent rocket attack in the city of Zarmat in Afghanistan’s Paktia province, military officials reported.

The attack killed several civilians and wounded numerous others, including a child, officials said.

Initial reports indicate the terrorists targeted a public area, killing and injuring people shopping in preparation for their breaking of the Ramadan fast.

In a statement issued yesterday, the general extended his condolences to families of those killed or injured in the attack.

“The insurgents must realize that each of these heinous attacks confirms the true nature of their cause,” Allen said, “and strengthens the resolve of the Afghan people against them."

In other Afghanistan news yesterday:

-- A combined Afghan and coalition force detained a Haqqani terrorist network facilitator and two of his associates in the Sabari district of Khost province. The facilitator is responsible for coordinating the movement of roadside bombs and other weapons, and providing reports to Haqqani leaders. The force seized assault rifles, a chest rack and ammunition.

-- In the Kunduz district of Kunduz province, a combined force detained a suspect while searching for an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan terrorist organization leader. The leader is involved in foreign-fighter facilitation and training in the Burkah district of Baghlan province.

-- A combined force detained several suspects during an operation targeting a Taliban leader in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province. The leader plans suicide attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined patrol detained a suspect during a search for a Taliban leader in the Shajoy district of Zabul province. The insurgent leader arranges weapon transfers and roadside bomb emplacements.

-- In the Charkh district of Logar province, a combined force detained two suspects during a search for a Taliban leader. The leader oversees insurgent operations in the Baraki Barak and Charkh districts.

-- A combined patrol detained several suspects and discovered a weapons cache during an operation to disrupt an insurgent network in the Shindand district of Herat province. The targeted insurgent network is responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. The patrol seized and destroyed 257 submunitions, 19 mortar rounds, 19 fuses, 13 mortar warheads, 10 artillery rounds and some small-arms ammunition.

-- A combined force detained numerous suspects during an operation targeting an insurgent leader in the Tarin Kot district of Uruzgan province. The leader is linked to the emplacement of improvised explosive devices used against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- In the Khas Uruzgan district of Uruzgan province, a combined patrol killed two insurgents and wounded two suspects. The two insurgents were killed after they engaged the patrol with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. The two wounded suspects were provided medical aid and were detained for questioning. The patrol seized and destroyed some small arms and ammunition.

-- A combined patrol killed two insurgents during an operation in the Khash Rod district of Nimroz province. The patrol encountered an exploding enemy IED and small-arms fire. The patrol returned fire, killing the two insurgents. Some small arms and ammunition were seized and destroyed.

-- In the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand province, a combined force detained two suspects during a search for an insurgent leader. The leader is responsible for several IED attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.