Afghan-International Forces Operational Update for Nov. 9

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

11.09.2009

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

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KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan-international security forces conducted clearing operations, Nov. 1 through 6, in the Chahar Dara district of the northern region of Kunduz province, killing more than 130 insurgents including eight Taliban commanders.

More than 750 Afghan and International forces took part in the operation to stop insurgent activity and weapons trafficking in the Chahar Dara district. The team also disrupted the insurgent shadow governor in Kunduz province. The Afghan-International force provided humanitarian supplies to the
affected villages after the operation. Six trucks delivered warm clothing and food, including staple items such as cooking oil, rice and beans. For photos showing Afghan soldiers handing supplies to local villages, go to http://api.flickr.com/services/feeds/photos_public.gne?id=29456680@N06&lan
g=en-us&format=rss_200

Gov. Mohammad Omar of Kunduz province praised the accuracy of ISAF airstrikes against the insurgents and the caution used to employ them in areas void of civilian population or infrastructure.

"It is the largest operation I've ever seen in Kunduz," the governor said. "You've got the Taliban running all over the place. Overall, I think this operation is wonderful."

The military elements will continue to meet with village elders and ensure the area remains secure following the conclusion of the combat operations.

"People of Kunduz are very appreciative that international forces and Afghan national security forces are working together to better Afghanistan," Governor Omar said. "Taliban in the area are on the run, and we have shown them that they cannot control the area."

No ANSF or ISAF personnel were killed, and no civilians were injured during this operation.

Taliban Militants Detained in Kandahar

In a separate operation an Afghan-international security force killed an enemy militant and detained several suspected militants in Kandahar province, Nov. 8, while pursuing a senior Taliban commander in charge of several local and foreign fighters in the area.

The joint security force targeted a vehicle outside of the village of Shahabey in Khakriz district after intelligence indicated militant activity. The joint force killed an enemy militant, detained several suspected militants and recovered nine 50-pound containers of homemade explosive, an AK-47 rifle
and ammunition. All of the homemade explosives were destroyed at a safe distance from any buildings. No civilians were injured during this operation.

Militants Linked to Senior Taliban Detained

In a another operation, an Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants in Kandahar province after searching buildings known to be used by a Taliban district commander responsible for several attacks and linked to senior Taliban leadership in the area.

The joint security force targeted the buildings on the east side of Kandahar City after intelligence indicated militant activity. The joint force searched the buildings without incident and detained the suspected militants.

No shots were fired, and no civilians were injured during this operation.

ISAF Search for Service Members Update

Search operations continue for the two paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division missing since Nov. 4 in western Afghanistan.

"ISAF personnel will endeavour to ensure no service member, regardless of nationality, is left behind," said U.S. Navy Capt. Jane Campbell, IJC spokesperson. "Our search operations continue in earnest, and our thoughts and prayers are with their friends and families. Further information is being withheld while search and rescue operations continue and while the incident is under investigation.

ISAF Casualties

In the last 24 hours, one ISAF service member was killed by an IED in southern Afghanistan. It is ISAF policy to defer identification procedures of casualties to the relevant national authorities.