3679

OTAN. NATO.

ISAF. INTERNATIONA SECURITY ASSISTANCE FORCE AFGHANISTAN

AFGHAN STUDENTS EARN CULTURAL TRIP TO TURKEY

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-SD-078
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/afghan-students-earn-cultural-trip-to-turkey.html

Feature News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 19) - Thirty-four Afghan students left yesterday for a one-week cultural trip to Turkey awarded to them by Regional Command-Capital.

The students had completed Turkish language courses offered in Kabul, Mazar-ı Sharif, and Wardak cities. Four teachers accompanied the students on the trip.

Yunus Novandish, mayor of Kabul City; Shahla Ata, a member of the Afghanistan National Assembly; Brigadier Gen. Levent Colak, RC-Capital commander; U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Anne MacDonald, assistant commanding general for police development; students and teachers attended a ceremony held at Camp Dogan Monday.

"I'm very happy for these children," said the Kabul mayor at the ceremony. "As a mayor of Kabul city I've joined a lot of events hosted by General Colak and have witnessed the Afghan-Turkish friendship. I have also witnessed many Turkish projects in Kabul. Like the others, this supports that friendship. We will develop this country together."

"These students are the future of Afghanistan," said Mr. Ata. "The leading and training of these students by Turks brings us hope. Seeing Turkey will change those students' view of the world."

The RC-Capital commander gave presents to the children being awarded the trip.

"We have 675 students in nine different courses," said the general. "The Turkish language course is the one of these and has 132 students. As a result of examinations, we awarded 34 students with the cultural trip. When you come back to Kabul, I'll welcome you and ask your feelings about the trip."

In Turkey, students and teachers will watch the "Youth and Sports National Holiday" activities in Istanbul firsthand. They will also visit historical places and go to Konya city where Mevlana Celaleddin-i Belhi, a famous philosopher, lived. Finally, they will visit the capital city of Ankara and will return, May 26.

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ISAF CASUALTY

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-077
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-casualty-84.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 19) - An ISAF servicemember died following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan today.

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

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MAY 19: ISAF FORCES DISCOVER WEAPONS CACHE IN HELMAND PROVINCE

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-076
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/may-19-isaf-forces-discover-weapons-cache-in-helmand-province.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 19) - Several suspected militants were detained by an Afghan-international security force in Kandahar Province last night.

The combined force searched a compound in Kuh-e Kabutor Khan, in the Zharay district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity, and detained the suspects for further questioning.

No shots were fired and no Afghan civilians were harmed during the operation.

ISAF forces engaged a large group of insurgents who had attacked Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) in the Murghab district of Badghis Province yesterday. During the fighting, which lasted several hours, Afghan and international forces fired several mortar rounds and dropped two precision-guided munitions on insurgent positions.

Multiple insurgents were killed and wounded. There were no ISAF or ANSF casualties in the engagement.

No Afghan civilians were harmed in the operation.

In the Kajaki district of Helmand Province yesterday, an ISAF patrol discovered a weapons cache consisting of four grenades, 375 kilograms (826 pounds) of small-arms munitions, two 40mm rounds and five mini flares. The cache was destroyed.

In the Musa Qalah district of Helmand yesterday, an Afghan-international patrol found several daisy-chained improvised explosive devices (IEDs) with various amounts of homemade explosives. An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the devices.

An ANSF patrol found a cache containing 16 pieces of unexploded ordnance in the Nahr-e Shahi district of Balkh Province yesterday. The cache will be destroyed.

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EXPLOSION IN KABUL

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-072
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/explosion-in-kabul.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 18) - ISAF Joint Command is working with our Afghan partners to assess an explosion that took place this morning on the Darulaman Road in Kabul. Afghan National Police have secured the area.

Further information will be released as it becomes available.
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UPDATE: EXPLOSION IN KABUL

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-072-UPDATE
http://www.isaf.nato.int/en/article/isaf-releases/update-explosion-in-kabul.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 18) - Six international servicemembers were killed and several wounded when a suicide vehicle-born improvised explosive device exploded near an ISAF convoy and civilian vehicles travelling on Darulaman Road in Kabul this morning.

Numerous Afghan civilians were also killed and injured in the indiscriminate attack.

The injured have been evacuated to medical treatment facilities.

"ISAF strongly condemns the attack on civilians and ISAF Forces. This sort of desperate brutality and aggression reminds us of the pessimism of an enemy who seek to kill the innocent and to stop the progress necessary for a better Afghanistan. This will not deter us from our mission of securing a better future for this country," said Brig. Gen. Josef Blotz, ISAF Spokesperson.

The explosion additionally damaged five ISAF vehicles and more than a dozen civilian vehicles.

ISAF is assisting the Afghan National Security Forces in securing the area and investigating the incident.

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ISAF CASUALTY

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-075
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-casualty-54.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 18) - An ISAF service member died following a small-arms attack in southern Afghanistan today.

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

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ISAF CASUALTY

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-074
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-casualty.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 18) - An ISAF servicemember died following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan today.

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

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MAY. 18: ISAF FORCES DISCOVER WEAPONS CACHE IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-073
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/may.-18-isaf-forces-discover-weapons-cache-in-southern-afghanistan.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 18) - In the Tarin Kot district of Uruzgan Province yesterday, an ISAF patrol discovered a weapons cache consisting of three rifles, a rocket-propelled grenade fuel cell, two recoilless rifle rounds, a machine gun and a pair of binoculars. The items were confiscated for exploitation.

An Afghan-international security patrol discovered 23 kilograms (50 pounds) of wet opium while conducting a search of a compound in the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province yesterday. The drugs were confiscated and will be destroyed.

In the Baraki Barak district of Logar Province yesterday, a joint patrol found an improvised explosive device (IED) consisting of four recoilless rifle rounds and a mortar. They also found an IED nearby with recoilless rifle rounds and homemade explosives. An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the IEDs.

An Afghan-international patrol in the Now Zad district of Helmand yesterday, found a cache containing 68 kg (150 lbs) of a substance believed to be ammonium nitrate. The material was destroyed.

In the Kunduz district of Kunduz Province yesterday, Afghan children led an ISAF patrol to an 82mm high explosive mortar round. The round was destroyed.

No Afghan civilians were harmed in these operations.

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ISAF ASSISTS AFGHAN AUTHORITIES SEARCH FOR MISSING AIRCRAFT

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-070
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-assists-afghan-authorities-search-for-missing-aircraft.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 17) - ISAF is assisting the Afghan authorities in their search for a civilian passenger aircraft was reported missing today.

A manned ISAF fixed-wing aircraft has been dispatched to the last known position of the missing plane. However, the poor weather conditions in the area are hampering the aerial search.

Two ISAF helicopters are en route to the area. Other ISAF helicopters are also on standby at Bagram Airfield and Kabul International Airport to assist in any rescue effort.

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PILOTS' ACTIONS SAVE A LIFE


ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-067
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/pilots-actions-save-a-life.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 17) - During a recent engagement, ISAF aircrews providing armed overwatch for coalition forces operating in Kunduz Province, April 10, observed insurgents carrying weapons in the vicinity of friendly forces. After positive identification was achieved, the pilots in U.S. Air Force F-16Cs were approved to engage the insurgents with a bombing run.

While preparing to strike the insurgents, one of the pilots observed an Afghan citizen walking in the target area accompanied by a goat. The pilot declared "abort," and the aircraft were called off the target to prevent a possible civilian casualty. The pilots waited until the citizen was safely out of the target area and then engaged the insurgents with strafing runs to eliminate the threat to friendly forces.

Protecting the Afghan population remains the top priority of all ISAF activities in Afghanistan.

Dari Version: Pilots' Actions Save a Life

To see the video, which includes the audio transmissions between the pilots and joint tactical air controller on the ground, go to:

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MAY 17: AFGHAN-ISAF OPERATIONS IN KANDAHAR, HELMAND

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-069
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/may-17-afghan-isaf-operations-in-kandahar-helmand.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 17) - An Afghan-international security force detained two suspected militants in Kandahar last night.

The combined force searched a compound in north Kandahar City after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. The targeted compound reportedly belongs to a known Kandahar improvised explosive device (IED) facilitator. The insurgent is responsible for suicide attacks in Kandahar City.

No shots were fired and no Afghan citizens were harmed during the operation.

In the Nad-e Ali district of Helmand Province yesterday, a joint security patrol discovered a weapons cache consisting of one shotgun, two rifles, one pistol, small-arms ammunition and a bag of miscellaneous IED materials. The cache was confiscated for exploitation.

Also in Nad-e Ali district yesterday, another Afghan-international patrol found a cache containing 136 kilograms (300 pounds) of marijuana seed, 6 kg (15 lbs) of poppy seed, 4.5 kg (10 lbs) of hashish, 45 kg (100 lbs) of ammonium nitrate and a small container of an unknown white substance. The cache was confiscated and will be destroyed.

A local Afghan informed a joint patrol of insurgent fighters with possible IEDs and rocket-propelled grenades in the Musa Qalah district of Helmand Province yesterday. ISAF forces cordoned off the area while Afghan National Army members went inside the compound to investigate. The search of the compound led to 120 kilograms (264 pounds) of opium, two AK-47s and 500 rounds of ammunition. The weapons and drugs were confiscated and five individuals were detained.

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ISAF CASUALTIES

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-066
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-casualties-3.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 17) - Two ISAF servicemembers died in an improvised explosive device attack in western Afghanistan today.

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

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ISAF CASUALTIES

2010-05-CA-071
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-casualties-5.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 17) - An ISAF servicemember died following an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in western Afghanistan today.

Another ISAF servicemember died in an IED strike in southern Afghanistan today.

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

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UPDATE: ISAF CASUALTY

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-065-UPDATE
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/update-isaf-casualty.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 17) - The ISAF casualty announced in IJC News Release 2010-05-CA-065 died yesterday from wounds received during an IED strike May 14 in southern Afghanistan.

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

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MAY 16: AFGHAN-ISAF FORCES DISCOVER WEAPONS CACHE IN HELMAND PROVINCE

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-062
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/may-16-afghan-isaf-forces-discover-weapons-cache-in-helmand-province.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 16) - An Afghan-international security force detained several suspected insurgents in Zabul Province last night. The joint force detained the insurgents during a search of a compound east of Kakaran, in the Qalat district, after intelligence reports of militant activity. During all searches, security units strive to avoid using lethal force. No shots were fired and no Afghan civilians were harmed during the operation.

An Afghan-international patrol discovered a weapons and drug cache in Now Zad district, Helmand Province yesterday. The cache consisted of five 155mm artillery rounds and 32 kg (70 lbs.) of opium, which were destroyed on site.

A separate Afghan-international patrol discovered a weapons cache consisting of four 82mm rounds and three rocket propelled grenades in Nad-e Ali district, Helmand Province yesterday. The cache was confiscated for exploitation.

Another Afghan-international patrol found a weapons cache containing three mines and three rocket propelled grenades in the Tarin Kot district, Uruzgan Province yesterday. The cache was confiscated for exploitation.

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ISAF CASUALTY

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-062
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/isaf-casualty-6.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 16) - An ISAF servicemember died following an insurgent attack in southern Afghanistan today.

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

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MAY 15: AFGHAN-ISAF OPERATIONS IN EASTERN, SOUTHERN, NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan

2010-05-CA-061
http://www.isaf.nato.int/article/isaf-releases/may-15-afghan-isaf-operations-in-eastern-southern-northern-afghanistan.html

For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 15) - An Afghan-international combined force killed several militants and captured several as they searched for a Taliban leader in Baghlan last night.

The security force went to a compound in a rural area of the Baghlan-e Jedid district after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. At the compound, the Afghan members of the assault force called for the insurgents to surrender, but the individuals refused to lay down their arms and engaged the security force.

The combined force returned fire and several militants were killed. Other insurgents surrendered and were detained. Two of the militants, including one woman who attempted to engage the assault force with an automatic rifle, were wounded. All wounded individuals were medically evacuated to a nearby hospital.

No civilians were harmed, and the search team found multiple automatic rifles, grenades and tactical communications equipment.

In Kandahar last night, a joint security force searched a compound west of Seyyedan, in the Kandahar district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. During the search the security force detained several suspected insurgents for further questioning.

No shots were fired and no Afghan citizens were harmed during the operation.

In Logar last night, an Afghan-international security force detained a few suspected insurgents as they searched for a Taliban improvised explosive device (IED) cell commander.

The combined force went to the town of Sejawand, in the Baraki Barak district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity and detained the suspected militants for further questioning.

No shots were fired and no Afghan citizens were harmed during the operation.

A joint security force yesterday recovered a coalition helicopter that had been on a landing site in Kandahar for 24 hours.

The helicopter was part of an operation Thursday night north of the village of Mian, in the Kandahar district. As it landed the aircraft was damaged. No one was injured and the troops continued their mission.

After landing, it was determined the helicopter could not be flown and despite occasional harassing fire from insurgents, maintenance personnel were able to configure the aircraft to be externally loaded below another helicopter and flown intact back to a base.

Additionally, the coalition helicopter damaged during a hard landing in northern Kandahar province, as reported in IJC News Release 2010-05-CA-057, was destroyed on site by ISAF forces yesterday.

Enemy forces were not responsible for either of these accidents.

Afghan National Security Forces with ISAF partners conducted a combined operation early Thursday morning in Malmand Chinnah, Helmand Province. Two compounds were identified as possible locations for a known senior insurgent commander.

The operation was conducted in order to search the compounds and locate the insurgent commander. After the combined force secured both compounds, Afghan Special Police conducted numerous callouts in local dialects. Multiple men, women and children came out of the compounds and were moved to a safe area for the duration of the operation.

The operation resulted in the capture of several insurgents, seizure of a small consignment of narcotics and an assault rifle.

In another operation, ISAF forces found eight IEDs in the Kuhak school courtyard in Kandahar Province Tuesday. The IEDs were found during a security patrol in the Arghandab district conducted in support of Hamkari. The patrol also found 56 kilograms (125 pounds) of homemade explosives and two anti-personnel mines in the schoolyard.

U.N. reports have noted that a vast majority of civilian casualties are the result of insurgent IEDs. The motivation for the insurgents' decision to again emplace IEDs in and around an Afghan children's school remains unclear.