Afghan, coalition forces conduct operation in Kabul

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.24.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – A joint Afghan National Security and International Security Assistance force patrol killed two men during an operation in Kabul today.

After receiving a credible threat to attack the U.S. Embassy, ISAF coordinated with Afghan security forces to move on an area of interest. The joint force moved to the target area near an office building in downtown Kabul.

Intelligence reports indicated there were two vehicles parked there that were thought to be loaded with explosives. The forces were instructed to approach the target area with caution and to announce their identities.

A cordon was in the process of being established while other elements of the force moved to search the area on foot. As they moved towards the target area, they announced themselves and immediately received small-arms fire from the target area. The force returned fire, killing two of the shooters. A third armed person was seen running into the building nearby.

The force used a non-lethal device to disorient any armed personnel inside. They cleared the building and secured 15 people, including two people who had been wounded. A medic assigned to the group treated the injured. The wounded were offered treatment at an ISAF facility but instead opted to be taken by Afghan security forces to a local hospital.

As the force reached the roof, one man who had been among the initial shooters surrendered.

A large number of weapons, including the small-arms used by the men who fired on the patrol, were found during the operation.

A high-ranking Afghan National Security Forces commander arrived and took command of the scene. He personally vouched for those detained in the operation and they were subsequently released.

• Date Taken: 12.24.2010
• Date Posted: 12.24.2010 09:13
• Story ID: 62568
• Location: KABUL, AF