Commandos, Coalition forces kill 7 insurgents, destroy IED factory

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

10.05.2010

Courtesy Story

NATO Special Operations Component Command-Afghanistan

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Elements of the 4th Afghan Commando Kandak, along with Soldiers from Special Operations Task Force – South, killed seven insurgents and destroyed an improvised-explosive-device-making factory Oct. 7 in the Zharay district of Kandahar province.

Nine IED's were separately found and destroyed during the mission.

“These operations in Zharay and Panjwa’I districts have shown great success,” said Brig. Gen. Abdul Hamid, commander, 205th ‘Hero’ Corps, Afghan National Army. “The Taliban are weakening, and this operation is freeing many people in the districts.”

The combined force took immediate small-arms fire upon landing, but during a lull in the engagement, the team was approached by an Afghan civilian who told them that the area was rigged with IED's. The civilian pointed out to the team areas of which to be wary, according to the Special Operations Task Force team leader in charge of the operation.

At one point while taking fire, the SOTF-S team leader said that insurgent elements were using children to shield themselves at their firing positions.

“Using children as shields during an engagement is the most deplorable and cowardly tactic that the enemies of Afghanistan can use,” said Lt. Col. Christopher N. Riga, commander, SOTF-S. “This is a desperate attempt on the part of the insurgents, and due to the fact that Afghan civilians volunteered to help us in the operation, it shows that the people of Afghanistan are making it clear that they will no longer tolerate such actions.”

Insurgents rigged one building with explosives; ready to detonate upon entry. Coalition aircraft were called in to destroy the building. Another compound turned out to be an IED making facility, and Coalition forces destroyed all the items inside.

No civilians were harmed during the operation.

• Date Taken: 10.05.2010
• Date Posted: 10.05.2010 00:21
• Story ID: 57498
• Location: KANDAHAR PROVINCE, AF