ISAF Helicopter Crashes in Western Afghanistan

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, July 18, 2012 – Two International Security Assistance Force service members were injured following a helicopter crash in western Afghanistan today, military officials reported.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, officials said.

In July 17 news, operations:

-- ISAF commander Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen and Afghan National Army Chief of Staff Gen. Sher Mohammad Karimi congratulated the Afghan National Army on the establishment of its Special Operation Command Division, officials said. “The establishment of ANASOC is another important step in the increasing capability and capacity of the ANSF,” Allen said. “This trained unit represents some of the most elite and brave fighting forces in the ANSF. They continue to demonstrate their ability to conduct operations throughout Afghanistan and when engaged win decisively.”

-- A coalition airstrike killed an insurgent in Ghazni province’s Giro district.

-- A combined force detained an insurgent and seized a two-way radio in Ghazni province’s Qarah Bagh district.

-- A combined force discovered a cache containing several flares in Ghazni province’s Andar district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an improvised explosive device in Ghazni province’s Andar district.

-- A combined force killed an insurgent in Khowst province’s Gurbuz district.

-- A combined force killed three insurgents in Kunar province’s Marawarah district.

-- In Logar province, a combined force found and cleared one IED in the Pul-E Alam district and another in the Muhammad Aghah district.

-- A combined force killed one insurgent in Nangarhar province’s Shinwar district.

-- In Nangarhar province’s Lal’Pur district, a combined force found and cleared an IED.

-- A combined force detained one insurgent and found and cleared an IED in Nuristan province’s Nurgaram district.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Paktika province’s Sar Rowzah district.

-- In Paktiya province’s Zurmat district, a combined force found and cleared an IED.

-- A combined force discovered a cache containing multiple mines and IED-making materials in Paktiya province’s Gardez district.

-- In Wardak province’s Sayyidabad district, a combined force detained an insurgent and cleared an IED.