3462. SUR LE FRONT

AFGHAN CIVILIANS, GOVERNMENT JOIN FORCES TO DEFEAT AND REMOVE TALIBAN

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/afghan-civilians-government-join-forces-to-defeat-and-remove-taliban.html

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-085
Feature News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 27)

Gizab district, locked centrally in the Hazarajet region of Afghanistan, recently was the scene of community resolve and determination when citizens took action to remove a Taliban threat from their village. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA), with minimal involvement by coalition forces, is assisting Gizab residents in their effort to purge the Taliban from the area.

With harassment by the Taliban increasing, local villagers held a shura and decided to establish a road block Wednesday in an effort to detain insurgents.

This action led to the apprehension of several insurgents as well as their weapons and motorbikes.

A Taliban commander, responsible for coordinating attacks against coalition special forces in the area, was among those apprehended at the road block.

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Later that afternoon, Taliban insurgents armed with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades were preparing to attack the village.

Local citizens, defending their homes and families, engaged the insurgents in a battle that lasted more than three days.

A combined patrol of Afghanistan National Security Force (ANSF) and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) partners was conducting an operation nearby and responded, enhancing security at the village stronghold.

After three days of fighting, the insurgents were defeated and driven out of Gizab.

Between the villagers and combined patrol, several insurgents were killed and four were arrested.

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In the subsequent days, hostile action in the area has diminished, providing an opportunity for the governor of Dai Kundi, the provincial governor of neighbouring Uruzgan Province, the local Malik, and 20 other community leaders to travel to Gizab district for a meeting to announce their support for GIRoA and elect a district chief of police.

The combined force also attended the meeting Saturday to demonstrate their support for the people of Gizab and GIRoA. The combined force was warmly received by the villagers and leaders who said they were grateful for GIRoA's support.

During the meeting, the deputy governor placed a phone call to President Hamid Karzai, who spoke to local elders and leaders and voiced his pleasure with the cooperation between the different elements, which ultimately removed 50 active Taliban fighters from the region.

"The villagers' decision to react was fueled by Taliban members routinely exerting their influence and control over the people in the southern district of Gizab,"

said Capt. Rebecca Lykins, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan spokesman.

"Their reaction is a testament to their confidence in GIRoA's ability to protect and serve the populace."

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APR. 27: AFGHAN-ISAF OPERATIONS IN EASTERN, SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN

4/27/10 ISAF Public Affairs Office

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/apr.-27.html

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-083
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 27) - In the Arghandab district of Kandahar this morning, an ISAF patrol found an improvised explosive device (IED) near the Kuhak school.

An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team was attempting to disarm the device when it exploded. No one was hurt.

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In the Musa Qalah district of Helmand Province yesterday, a joint patrol received information from local Afghans about possible insurgent activity in a compound in the area.

ISAF forces cordoned off the compound while Afghan National Police (ANP) members went inside to investigate. As ANP members entered the compound, an Afghan civilian told the patrol that there was an Afghan male in the next room dressed in a burka.

The individual was found with approximately 25 rounds of small-arms ammunition and was detained.

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In the Sabari district of Khost yesterday, an Afghan-international security force saw two individuals emplacing an IED.

The patrol was able to capture one of the men and destroy the IED.

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While patrolling in the Now Zad district of Helmand Province yesterday, a joint patrol found five 60mm recoilless rifle warheads inside a cave. The cache was destroyed.

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An Afghan patrol found an IED in the Beshud district of Helmand yesterday. The device consisted of two anti-tank mines. The device was destroyed by an EOD team.

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In the Qalat district of Zabul Province yesterday, an Afghan-international patrol found three remote-controlled IEDs.

The ANP detained five people for questioning near the find.

The IEDs were destroyed by an EOD team.

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In the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand yesterday, a joint patrol found a cache containing two rocket-propelled grenades. The cache was destroyed.

No Afghan civilians were harmed during these operations.

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ISAF CASUALTY

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/isaf-casualty-51.html

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-084
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 27) - An ISAF servicemember died as a result of a small-arms attack in eastern Afghanistan today.

It is ISAF policy to defer identification procedures for casualties to the relevant national authorities.


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ISAF. INTERNATIONAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE AFGHANISTAN

OTAN.NATO

TALIBAN REINTEGRATED IN BAGHLAN

4/26/10
http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/taliban-reintegrated-in-baghlan.html

ISAF PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

ISAF JOINT COMMAND - AFGHANISTAN

2010-04-AO-078

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 26) - Eight Taliban insurgents walked up to the gates of a forward operating base in Puza-i-Eshan Saturday to turn themselves in to Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).

The departure from the Taliban came in the midst of Operation Taohid II, an Afghan-led operation in the north designed to defeat the insurgency, provide humanitarian supplies to the people and enable development projects in the area.

Gen. Murad Ali Murad, Afghan National Army 209th Corps commander held a shura with the Taliban members to negotiate the terms of their reintegration. Brig. Gen. Frank Leidenberger, Regional Command-North commander also attended.

"This is your country, when you fight against us here you fight against your own country,"

General Murad said.

"An hour ago, you were part of the black name of the Taliban, but now we welcome you back as our brothers."

Operation Taohid II is the largest operation the ANSF have led in the north. About 1,000 combat-ready Afghan National Army troops are taking part in the operation, supported by ISAF troops from Germany, the United States, Sweden, Finland, Croatia and Belgium.

One indicator of the operation's success was the securing of the Kuk Chenar (Dutch) Bridge and the return of large groups of civilians who had been frightened away by insurgents.

Civilian freedom of movement is now being further improved as work continues around the bridge's base along the river. A large number of trucks have been removing loads of the river's sludge to aid the flow of the river. Guard posts have been stationed on either end of the bridge to provide safe passage for residents.

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AFGHAN-ISAF OPERATIONS IN EASTERN, SOUTHERN, NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN

4/26/10
http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/apr.-26-afghan-isaf-operations-in-eastern-southern-northern-afghanistan.html

ISAF PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

NEWS RELEASE

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-079

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 26) - A senior militant commander of Kunduz Province and two senior advisors were killed in a precision air strike in northern Kunduz this morning.

The senior insurgents were driving through a rural desert area approximately 18 miles northeast of Kunduz City when they were struck by precision air fire, killing all three.

The senior Taliban commander was involved in all aspects of military operations in Kunduz Province. He was responsible for setting target priorities, weapons distribution and directing attacks against coalition and Afghan forces.

In Kandahar this morning, an Afghan-international security force searched a compound in northeast Kandahar City after intelligence information indicated militant activity. During a search of the compound the security force detained several suspected insurgents for further questioning.

In the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province yesterday, a joint patrol found a cache containing one AK-47, magazines, 130 rounds of ammunition and 13 kilograms (30 lbs) of homemade explosives. The hazardous items were destroyed and the non-hazardous items were recovered for exploitation.

While patrolling in the Dzadran district of Paktiya Province yesterday, coalition forces discovered a weapons cache containing 17 rocket-propelled grenades, nine fuses, four rear stabilizers and 300 heavy machine gun rounds.

One individual was detained.

The cache was destroyed.

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UPDATE: CONTRACT HELICOPTER MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING

4/25/10
http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/contract-helicopter-makes-emergency-landing.html

ISAF Public Affairs Office

NEWS RELEASE

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-074-UPDATE

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 25) - All personnel were safely recovered from the civilian contract Bell 214 helicopter that made an emergency landing, due to mechanical problems suffered during the flight, in Farah Province today. No one was injured during the incident.

The helicopter caught fire after the crewmembers and passengers left the helicopter. Due to the fire damage the helicopter was deemed unrecoverable.

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INDISCRIMINATE IEDS KILL AFGHAN CIVILIANS IN WESTERN AFGHANISTAN

NEWS RELEASE

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-IA-077
http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/indiscriminate-ieds-kill-afghan-civilians-in-western-afghanistan.html

Feature News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 25) - Three Afghan citizens were killed by a roadside blast near Gawmashi village, Delaram district, Nimruz Province, Friday.

According to local residents, an improvised explosive device (IED) was buried in the road by insurgents with no regard for the safety of people living in the surrounding community who use the road for daily transit.

The Afghan National Police (ANP) are currently investigating the incident in Gawmashi village. The Afghan National Army (ANA), assisted by U. S. Special Operations Forces, are co-ordinating with local officials and will provide assistance if necessary.

Later in the day, in neighbouring Farah province, another IED claimed the lives of two ANA soldiers, and injured three others, near the Nanga Bad village in the Pushte Rud district. The Afghan-led patrol was in the area to visit Afghan citizens and meet with local leaders to discuss security concerns and future development projects when one of the ANA vehicles struck the IED.

Recent reports from the Nimruz and Farah provinces indicate an increase in civilian casualties in the last month due to increased IED attacks on local roadways. A similar attack occurred on March 27, in Masaw village, where two Afghan citizens were killed, including a local mullah, and another nine civilians were injured, including several small children.

"While insurgents have planted IEDs that threaten the lives of the villagers in Nimruz and Farah province,"

said Capt. Rebecca Lykins, a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan spokesman.

"The Afghan National Army and U. S. Special Operations Forces continue to work together to eliminate these threats and to protect and secure the villages throughout Afghanistan."

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ANSF, ISAF RESPOND TO SUICIDE BOMB ATTACK IN ZABUL

4/25/10
http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/ansf-and-isaf-respond-to-suicide-bomb-attack-in-zabul.html

ISAF Public Affairs Office

NEWS RELEASE

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-076

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 25) - Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and ISAF partners responded to the attack in the Shajoy bazaar, Zabul Province, today in which two Afghan citizens were killed and seven were wounded in a suicide bomb attack.

Afghan and ISAF troops provided medical care to the injured civilians. The wounded were taken by helicopter to a nearby ISAF forward operating base for additional treatment while the security forces secured the bazaar and surrounding area.

The attack occurred early this morning as the bazaar was opening. The incident is currently under investigation by ANSF.

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AFGHAN-INTERNATIONAL FORCE CAPTURES TALIBAN COMMANDER IN LOGAR

4/24/10
http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/afghan-international-force-captures-taliban-commander-in-logar.html

ISAF Public Affairs Office

NEWS RELEASE

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-073

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 25) - An Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban sub-commander and killed several insurgents in Logar this morning.

The combined security force went to a compound in the village of Nagar, in the Pul-e Alam district, based on intelligence information of militant activity. As the assault force conducted a call out they were confronted by armed individuals. When the individuals displayed hostile intent they were shot and killed. The force also captured two militants.

One of the militants captured is a Taliban sub-commander, involved in planning suicide attacks. He immediately surrendered and identified himself as the targeted insurgent.

A search of the area found several weapons, including an automatic rifle and pistols.

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APR. 24: AFGHAN-ISAF OPERATIONS IN KUNDUZ, KHOST, HELMAND

4/22/10 ISAF Public Affairs Office

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/apr.-24-afghan-isaf-operations-in-kunduz-khost-helmand.html

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-068
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 24) - In Kunduz last night, an Afghan-international security force went to a compound near Aka Khel, in the Archi district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. The security force moved into the compound and made a call out. The individuals, who had barricaded themselves in the buildings, did not come out and engaged the combined force with small-arms fire.

The joint security force returned fire killing several insurgents and detaining a few others.

Two of those killed were Taliban commanders, one of them being the targeted militant responsible for distributing insurgent funds, designating targets and planning bombings.

Though there were women and children in the compound buildings, none were injured during the operation.

The homeowner told the joint patrol the Taliban had forced their way into the compound for the night.

International forces will reimburse the homeowner for minor damages caused to his property.

During a search of the buildings the security force found multiple automatic rifles, a machine gun, a rocket-propelled grenade, hand grenades and other weapons.

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In Khost this morning, a joint security force detained a suspected insurgent while hunting for a Haqqani network commander.

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The combined patrol searched a compound in Trakay, in the Terayzai district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. During the search the security force detained one individual for further questioning.

No shots were fired and no one was harmed during the operation.

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In the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province this morning, a joint patrol found a cache containing two shotguns, 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of opium, small-arms ammunition and various electrical components. The cache was destroyed.

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In Nad-e Ali yesterday, a joint patrol found an improvised explosive device (IED) consisting of two pressure plate initiation devices and 18 kg (40 lbs) of homemade explosives. An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the device.

No Afghan civilians were harmed in these operations

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APR. 23: AFGHAN-ISAF OPERATIONS IN EASTERN, SOUTHERN, NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN

4/22/10 ISAF Public Affairs Office

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/apr.-23-afghan-isaf-operations-in-eastern-southern-northern-afghanistan.html .

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-067
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 23) - One militant was killed and several others captured by an Afghan-international security force as they pursued a Taliban facilitator in Ghazni last night.


The combined force went to a compound in a rural area of the Nawah district after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. As the joint force approached, several individuals ran away.

One insurgent moved towards the security force in a hostile manner and was shot and killed.

Several other suspected insurgents were captured.

No Afghan civilians were harmed during the operation.

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In Khost last night, a joint security force searched a compound in the village of Peshay Kala, in the Terezai district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. During the search the security force captured a Haqqani network improvised explosive device (IED) facilitator. The individual believed to be responsible for laying mines and attacks on coalition forces identified himself when captured.

Another suspected insurgent was also captured.

Ammonium nitrate, aluminum powder and rifles were found on site.

No shots were fired and no one was hurt during the operation.

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In Kunduz last night, an Afghan-international security force went to the village of Aq Shakh, in the Chahar Darah district, after intelligence information indicated militant activity.

During the search the security force detained one suspected insurgent for further questioning.

An armed individual ran from the compound and later fired on the security force.

He was engaged and killed.

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In Nangarhar last night, an Afghan-international security force searched a compound north of Sangaray, in the Khogyani district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. During the search the security force captured a Taliban sub-commander responsible for directing remote-controlled IED and rocket-propelled grenade attacks on coalition forces. Taliban commander immediately surrendered and identified himself.

Another suspected insurgent was also captured during the search.

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In the Reg-e Khan Neshin district of Helmand Province last night, a joint force received information about an IED cell in a compound there. The combined force went to the compound and found an IED, three IED power sources, five spools of copper wire, an intelligence radio, two AK-47 rifles with ammunition, brass knuckles and 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of raw opium.

After coordination with the village elder, the combined force detained the more than 20 men in the compound.

There were no casualties or damages from the operation.

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In the Garm Ser district of Helmand last night, an Afghan-international patrol received a tip from an Afghan civilian about a cache in the area. The joint patrol went to the location and found 50 chest rigs and 19 magazines. The items were collected for disposal.

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In the Chorah district of Uruzgan Province yesterday, a joint patrol found a cache containing nine grenades, four rocket-propelled grenades, small-arms ammunition, homemade explosives, a timer and detonation cord. The cache was destroyed.

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AFGHAN-INTERNATIONAL SECURITY FORCE OPERATION IN LOGAR PROVINCE

4/22/10 ISAF Public Affairs Office

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/afghan-international-security-force-operation-in-logar-province.html

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-066
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 23) - During a joint Afghan-International security force operation in Logar province last night, the combined force killed five insurgents after receiving heavy and sustained gunfire from a compound.

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The joint security force went to a compound in Qal'eh ye Seyyedan, in the Pul-e Alam district after intelligence indicated insurgent activity. As the combined force approached the compound they began receiving hostile fire from different points including heavy machine gun fire. The security force returned fire and maneuvered through the compound buildings. The buildings were barricaded and the force began exchanging gunfire with the personnel inside.

A search of the compound by the security force found multiple automatic rifles, armor piercing rounds, IED materials, and blasting caps.

A Taliban suicide attack commander, with ties to the Haqqani network, was killed in the firefight, along with four other insurgents.

Two US service members subsequently died of their wounds suffered in this firefight.

No civilians were reported harmed in the operation.

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MEMBERS OF RC-NORTH BID FAREWELL TO FOUR FALLEN COMRADES

4/22/10 ISAF Public Affairs Office

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/members-of-rc-north-bid-farewell-to-four-fallen-comrades.html .

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

MAZAR-E SHARIF, Afghanistan (April 22) – Two weeks after German and international soldiers bade farewell to three German comrades, they gathered again to pay their last respects to four more German soldiers.

Sunday, four caskets were brought to the Ehrenhain (Grove of Honour) on military vehicles accompanied by eight soldiers each.

The soldiers of the Regional Command-North formation stood lined up at the memorial stone of the Ehrenhain in Camp Marmal to bid farewell to Maj. (Dr.) Thomas Broer, Maj. Jörn Radloff, Sgt. 1st Class Marius Dubnicki and Sgt. Josef Kronawitter.

Major Radloff, Sergeant First Class Dubnicki and Sergeant Kronawitter were mentors to the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). The three soldiers were members of an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team and were conducting a reconnaissance mission in Baghlan valley when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded fatally wounding the soldiers.

Dr. Broer belonged to the medical task force at Camp Marmal in Mazar-e Sharif and was assigned to a logistic support battalion recovery team as leader of the mobile emergency physician team (MEPT). He was on his way to the site of the IED attack to provide medical support when his recovery team was ambushed and the MEPT was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. Dr. Broer was fatally injured; all the others in the vehicle were unharmed. In addition to his work within the military, Dr. Broer had often provided medical aid and support to Afghan civilians.

Posthumously the four soldiers were awarded the Bundeswehr Service Medal and the NATO Meritorious Service Medal.

Brig. Gen. Frank Leidenberger, RC-North commander, and General Volker Wieker, chief of the Defence Staff of the Bundeswehr, participated in the ceremony.

Vicar General Walter Wakenhut, the vicar general of the Catholic military bishop, led the ecumenical memorial service along with the Protestant military pastor Michael Weeke. Pastor Weeke made an appeal for reflection, peace and God's blessing.

“Our comrades are no longer amongst us, their lives were extinguished,” said Pastor Weeke. “There deaths touch us all. Our thoughts are with their families, relatives, friends and comrades who are missing them, who will never see them face to face again, who will never hear their voices again. In our sadness we take refuge in the Lord and commend all those who are suffering to the love of God.”

In the face of the personal and human dimension of the tragic deaths all speakers struggled to find words of comfort.

“Instead of feelings of mourning and grief about the loss, as well as, feelings of rage and anger against those who have inflicted suffering in such a senseless, cruel and inhuman manner upon our comrades, remember that their families and we will prevail,” said General Leidenberger.

In his speech General Leidenberger made clear this malicious attack would not bring the international community to its knees.

“We have committed ourselves to the task of paving the way for this country, the way back to the international community, and to the task of ensuring there will not be any terrorist threat against our countries arising from Afghan ground in the future,” he said. “This is why our mission is meaningful and justified.”

After the memorial service the four caskets were flown back to Germany accompanied by General Wieker.

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APR. 22: AFGHAN-ISAF OPERATIONS IN EASTERN, SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN

4/20/10 ISAF Public Affairs Office

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/apr.-22-afghan-isaf-operations-in-eastern-southern-afghanistan.html .

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-063
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 22) - An Afghan-international security force killed several insurgents as they pursued a Taliban facilitator in Zabul Province this morning.

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The combined force went to a compound in the village of Jonubi Garay, in the Shahjoy district, after intelligence information indicated militant activity. As the security force searched the buildings they began taking hostile fire and several insurgents, armed with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and automatic rifles, ran from the buildings. The security forces pursued them and in an exchange of gunfire in and around the compound several insurgents were shot and killed.

A search of the area revealed several weapons caches of automatic rifles, RPGs and explosive materials.

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In Helmand last night, a joint security force searched a walled-in field in a rural area of the Nad-e Ali district after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity.

During the search the security force detained a few suspected insurgents for further questioning.

During the search the security force also found several bags of unrefined heroin.

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In Kandahar yesterday, an Afghan-international security force went to an open field, in the Maywand district, after intelligence information indicated militant activity. The security force surrounded the targeted insurgent, who subsequently surrendered.

The individual is a suspected Taliban commander and facilitator responsible for acquiring weapons and directing fighters to specific networks.

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Afghanistan National Security Forces with ISAF partners conducted a combined operation west of Nad-e Ali, Helmand Province, yesterday morning. The operation was intended to continue disrupting links between insurgent suicide bombers and narcotics networks.

After surrounding the compound in which several suspects were located, Afghan Special Police were able to get all residents to exit the compound.

Several men were detained, and 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of opium were found.

The opium was destroyed in place.

Four women and 15 children were protected throughout this operation, in which no civilians were injured.

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In the Bagram district of the Parwan Province yesterday, an ISAF patrol found a cache containing seven 155mm artillery rounds, nine 60mm rockets, six submunitions and four RPG propellants. The cache was destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team.

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In the Ghazni Province yesterday, an Afghan National Police patrol found a cache containing three rockets and 9 kg (19 lbs) of homemade explosives. The cache was destroyed by an ISAF EOD team.

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In the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand yesterday, an Afghan-international patrol found a cache containing 1,225 kg (2,700 lbs) of a substance believed to be ammonium chloride, 4.5 kg (10 lbs) of wet opium, 600 kg (1,322 lbs) powdered charcoal, scales and processing equipment. The materials were confiscated.

No Afghan civilians were harmed during these operations.

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APR. 21: AFGHAN-ISAF OPERATIONS IN HELMAND, KANDAHAR, KUNAR

4/20/10 ISAF Public Affairs Office

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/apr.-21-afghan-isaf-operations-in-helmand-kandahar-kunar.html .

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-061
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 21) - Last night in Kandahar, an Afghan-international security force searched a series of compounds east of Kuhak, in the Arghandab district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity.

During the searches the security force captured a suspected Taliban improvised explosive device (IED) expert responsible for building, emplacing and leading an IED cell.

Nearly a dozen other suspected insurgents were also captured.

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In the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar Province yesterday, an Afghan Border Police (ABP) unit discovered a significant amount of ammonium nitrate and other explosive equipment while inspecting vehicles.

In total, more than 1,450 kg (3,200 lbs) of ammonium nitrate, 12 sticks of a substance believed to be TNT, and 800 blasting caps were recovered. The materiel was seized and transported to a nearby ISAF base for analysis.

An individual was detained by the ABP.

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In an operation yesterday, Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) with ISAF partners conducted a combined operation east of Marjah, Helmand Province. The operation was intended to continue disrupting links between insurgent suicide bombers and narcotics networks.

After surrounding the compound in which a man associated with suicide bombing attacks was believed to be located, Afghan Special Police were able to get all residents to exit the compound.

One man was detained, and the patrol found an assault rifle, a shotgun and 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of opium.

One woman and four children were protected throughout this operation, in which no civilians were injured.

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Yesterday in Kandahar, an ISAF patrol found a cache containing four rocket-propelled grenades (RPG), an RPG launcher, 20 grenades, three rifle grenades, a PKM machine gun, four AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of small-arms ammunition. The cache was destroyed.

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In Kunar yesterday, an Afghan-international combined force captured a Taliban/Hezb-E Islami Gulbuddin facilitator.

The joint security force established a roadblock northeast of Karbun, along the border of the Shaikal Shate and Dangam districts after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity.

Members of the joint force surrounded an approaching vehicle and captured the facilitator who surrendered and identified himself when confronted.

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In the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand yesterday, a joint patrol found a cache containing eight grenades, three claymore mines, four artillery rounds, 22 grenades and an RPG. The cache will be destroyed.

No shots were fired and no Afghan civilians were harmed during these operations.

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APR. 20: AFGHAN-ISAF OPERATIONS IN KANDAHAR, ZABUL, HELMAND

4/20/10 ISAF Public Affairs Office

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/apr.-20-afghan-isaf-operations-in-kandahar-zabul-helmand.html .

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-059
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 20) - An Afghan-international security force captured a suspected Taliban commander and several other insurgents in Kandahar last night.

The combined force searched a compound east of Maqbareh-ye Mirvays Baba, in the Kandahar district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity.

During the search the security force captured a suspected Taliban commander responsible for buying, distributing weapons, and handling militant cell financial responsibilities.

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In Zabul last night, a joint force searched a compound east of the village of Garmam, in the Qalat district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity.

During the search the joint force captured a Taliban IED facilitator responsible for attacks on coalition forces, who also has close ties to other insurgent networks. When confronted the facilitator identified himself and surrendered.

A few other suspected insurgents were also detained.

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In the Now Zad district of Helmand Province yesterday, an ISAF patrol found an improvised explosive device (IED) consisting of more than 45 kilograms (100 pounds) of home-made explosives and a pressure-plate initiation device. The IED was destroyed.

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In the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand yesterday, an Afghan-international patrol found four IEDs. Two of the IEDs consisted of pressure-plate initiation devices and 9 kg (20 lbs) of homemade explosive each. The other IEDs had remote-controlled detonators and 18 kg (40 lbs) of homemade explosive each. All explosive devices were destroyed.

No shots were fired and no Afghans were harmed during these operations.

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APR. 18: AFGHAN-ISAF FORCES FIND DRUGS, WEAPONS IN HELMAND PROVINCE

4/18/10 ISAF Public Affairs Office

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/apr.-18-afghan-isaf-patrol-find-drugs-weapons-in-helmand-province.html .

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-052
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 18) - An Afghan-ISAF patrol discovered two trucks containing a significant amount of narcotics in the Garm Ser district of Helmand Province yesterday. The patrol found a total of 926 kilograms (2,040 lbs) of raw opium, 851 kg (1,875 lbs) of processed opium and 279 kg (615 lbs) of hashish in the vehicles.

The occupants of the trucks were taken into custody.

The narcotics will be destroyed.

*

Also in the Garm Ser district yesterday, a joint patrol found a cache consisting of a 120mm projectile, five completed victim operated improvised explosive devices (VOIED), three incomplete VOIEDs, three battery packs, spools of wire, a bag of carbon rods, rubber tubing and other parts for VOIED construction.

*

In another operation, Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) with ISAF partners conducted a combined operation that resulted in the detention of several men and seizure of high-value material used in the construction of improvised explosive device (IED) detonators.

*

Yesterday near Mali Kheyl, east of Lashkar Gar, Helmand Province the joint team seized two assault rifles with 15 magazines, material used to construct IED detonators, a pistol, two grenades, and 75 kg (165 lbs) of liquid opium.

*

Based on a tip from an Afghan civilian, an ISAF patrol found two caches containing a barrel full of mortar rounds, a tactical vest and wire, two 155mm artillery rounds, a 155mm shell and three empty casings in the Panjwa district of Kandahar Province yesterday.

*

Yesterday evening an ISAF patrol in southern Afghanistan found 200 lbs (91 kg) of marijuana seed near Helmand River in Reg-e Khan Neshin, Helmand Province. The drugs were destroyed.

No civilians were harmed in these operations.

*

UPDATE TO ESCALATION OF FORCE INCIDENT IN KHOST

4/18/10 ISAF Public Affairs Office

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/joint-assessment-after-incident-in-khost-province.html .

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-060
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 21) - The term 'insurgent' should not have been used to describe two occupants of a vehicle involved in an escalation of force incident in Khost Province Monday.

Based on initial operational reports, two of the four individuals killed in a vehicle that approached an ISAF convoy were described as 'known insurgents' based on their fingerprints matching identities contained in a biometric database for previous insurgent activity.

While it is accurate to say they were in the database, it has not yet been determined to be relevant to the incident Monday night.

"We sincerely regret this tragic loss of life. Commanders at all levels are increasing efforts to protect the Afghan people affected by our operations,"

said Maj. Gen. Mike Regner, deputy chief of staff for joint operations, ISAF Joint Command.

"Additionally, we are deploying training teams from this headquarters in the coming days to travel throughout Afghanistan to ensure all our troops understand the commander's guidance and implement critical lessons learned from previous incidents."

A joint ISAF and ANSF assessment team continues to review the incident in Khost, and a formal, more thorough joint investigation may also be conducted.

*

ISAF CASUALTY

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-054
For Immediate Release

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/isaf-casualty-50.html

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 19) - An ISAF servicemember died today following an explosion at an Afghan National Army facility in Kabul Province, eastern Afghanistan.

Several ISAF servicemembers wounded in the same incident were transported to an ISAF medical facility for treatment.

The incident is under investigation.

It is ISAF policy to defer identification procedures for casualties to the relevant national authorities.

*

APR. 19: AFGHAN-ISAF OPERATIONS IN EASTERN, SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN

4/18/10 ISAF Public Affairs Office

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/apr.-19-afghan-isaf-operations-in-eastern-southern-afghanistan.html

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-053
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 19) - Initial reports indicate that an Afghan-international security force killed several insurgents and captured one while the force was searching for a senior Taliban commander in Ghazni this morning.

*

The combined force moved to a compound in the village of Bagi Kheyl, in the Qarah Bagh district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. As the security force approached the compound, multiple insurgents engaged the force with machine guns, small arms, grenades, and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).

The combined force returned fire killing several insurgents.

As the combined force secured the target compound, they continued to receive small-arms fire, grenades and heavy machine-gun fire from insurgents throughout the village.

A search of the target area revealed a vehicle-mounted 12.7mm heavy machine gun, heavy-machine gun ammunition, multiple automatic rifles, grenades, RPGs, RPG launchers, and communications equipment.

*

In Kandahar Province this morning, an ISAF patrol found 30 ammunition cans full of Russian-made ammunition and weapons parts. The cache was destroyed.

*

In Khost Province yesterday, an Afghan-International security force went to a compound south of Mejles, in the Sabari district, after intelligence information indicated militant activity. As the joint force neared the compound, the suspected insurgents departed in two directions.

While pursuing them, the security force was engaged by one of the insurgents.

The security force returned fire and killed a suspected Haqqani facilitator responsible for coordinating and procuring weapons and grenades for Sabari Haqqani network leaders.

During a search of the immediate area, the security force found a machine gun, magazines and grenades.

Another suspected insurgent was detained for further questioning.

*

In Kandahar yesterday, a combined force targeted two suspected Taliban insurgents in a vehicle in a rural area of the Daman district after intelligence information indicated militant activity.

The two insurgents demonstrated hostile intent and were shot and killed.

A search of the militants found 10 blasting caps and a probable improvised explosive device.

*

In the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province yesterday, an Afghan-international security force found a cache containing two RPG boosters, an 82mm mortar, nine pressure plate initiation devices, eight blasting caps, 100 feet of detonation cord, a 4.5 kilogram (10 lb) bag of aluminum powder, a 23 kg (51 lb) bag of home-made explosive, IED making materials, 200 rounds of small-arms ammunition and a disassembled anti-aircraft gun.

*

Another joint patrol in the same district yesterday found a cache containing six PG9 fin-stabilized, rocket-assisted warheads; two PG9 boosters; nine chest rigs; a pressure plate initiation device; a 22 kg (50 lb) jug of homemade explosive; miscellaneous shrapnel and a night letter. The hazardous items were destroyed by an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team.

*

A third Afghan-international patrol in the Nad-e Ali district yesterday found a cache containing 68 kg (150 lbs) of homemade explosive and a 45 kg (100 lb) drum of ammonium nitrate. The cache was destroyed by an EOD team.

No civilians were harmed in these operations.

*

ISAF CASUALTY

http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/isaf-casualty-49.html .

NEWS RELEASE
ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-051
For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 18) - An ISAF servicemember died as a result of an IED strike in southern Afghanistan yesterday.

It is ISAF policy to defer identification procedures for casualties to the relevant national authorities.