UPDATE ISAF, Afghan forces repel attack at two bases

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

08.28.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL - Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Force soldiers repelled two attacks at bases in Khost province today.

At approximately 4 a.m., an unknown number of insurgents wearing U.S. military uniforms simultaneously launched attacks against Forward Operating Base Salerno and Forward Operation Base Chapman with indirect fire, rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire.

Afghan National Security Forces along with coalition forces killed approximately 15 insurgents at FOB Salerno and an additional six at FOB Chapman. Five insurgent fighters were captured and are in ISAF custody.

Additionally, Mudasir, a Haqqani Network facilitator for improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers, along with two other insurgents, were killed in an airstrike carried out by coalition forces as they were observed fleeing the attack in a vehicle. The precision air strike was carried out on the three insurgents after verifying insurgent activity and ensuring no civilians were present in the area.

While the majority of the attacking fighters were killed outside of the FOBs, two insurgents managed to breach the perimeter and made it onto FOB Salerno. Coalition forces had the two insurgents under surveillance and when they cut the fence, a quick reaction force was dispatched to the location where they were killed immediately.

"We are tightening our grip on the insurgents and as a result they are attempting anything and everything as a last ditch effort," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. "The insurgents gave their best effort and came up short."

During the attack, Afghan Uniformed Police, along with ISAF service members, captured a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and another vehicle carrying a variety of small arms ammunition in the vicinity of one of the installations. Explosive ordnance disposal experts subsequently conducted a controlled detonation to destroy the vehicles.

A total of seven suicide vests were seized, two recoilless rifles were destroyed, and a number of unexploded munitions were captured from the insurgent fighters.

"Attacks such as these will not deter ISAF forces from accomplishing our mission to protect the Afghan people and assist our ANSF and GiRoA partners in improving the quality of life for all Afghans," said Torres.

ISAF and ANSF forces suffered no casualties during this attack however, four ISAF soldiers were injured, three of which have already returned to duty. There were no damages to any buildings or facilities on the bases.

• Date Taken: 08.28.2010
• Date Posted: 08.28.2010 08:14
• Story ID: 55300
• Location: KABUL, AF