Forces conduct precision air strike against Taliban insurgents

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.23.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL – Coalition forces conducted a precision air strike in Nangarhar province Saturday, targeting a Taliban sub-commander in charge of approximately 10 fighters and facilitation of foreign fighters from Pakistan to Nangarhar.

Afghan and coalition forces tracked the commander as he met with at least 25 insurgents armed with AK-47's and multiple rocket-propelled grenades in Deh Bala district to plan an upcoming attack.

The commander and a group of 15 insurgents eventually broke from the group and began walking toward an assessed insurgent camp. After positively identifying the commander and ensuring no women or children were present, coalition forces conducted the precision air strike against the commander.

The International Security Assistance Force is still gathering information to determine exactly how many insurgents were killed in the strike. The security force assesses the strike killed approximately 12 insurgents, possibly including multiple Pakistani fighters from Waziristan and Taliban fighters. No civilians were wounded or killed.

“This commander and his followers planned, facilitated and conducted horrific acts against the Afghan people,” said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “We’ve made it a top priority to bring to justice those purposefully harming the peaceful people of Afghanistan.”

• Date Taken: 08.23.2010
• Date Posted: 08.23.2010 05:08
• Story ID: 55012
• Location: KABUL, AF