Afghan, coalition forces detain suspected Haqqani militants in Paktya

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

06.18.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan and coalition forces detained five suspected Haqqani militants during a mission overnight, June 18, in Paktya province to disrupt foreign fighter facilitation operations in eastern Afghanistan.

In Zadran District, Paktya province, forces patrolled to Salman Kheyl (Suleiman Khel) village, approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Gardez, to a compound where intelligence sources indicated suspected militants were staying. Forces conducted a search without incident, detaining five suspects.

The Haqqani network remains one of the most lethal Taliban organizations operating out of Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal area. Haqqani leaders conduct operations in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network focuses operations against the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Afghan national security forces, and seeks to expel coalition and NATO forces from Afghanistan to maintain its influence in eastern provinces.

• Date Taken: 06.18.2009
• Date Posted: 06.18.2009 06:46
• Story ID: 35279
• Location: KABUL, AF