Afghan, coalition forces detain suspected militants in Khost

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

06.20.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan and coalition forces detained four suspected Haqqani militants during a patrol last night in Khost province to disrupt foreign fighter facilitation operations in eastern Afghanistan.

In the Sabari District of Khost province, forces patrolled near the village of Paru Kheyl, approximately 20 km from the city of Khost, to a compound where intelligence sources indicated suspected militants were staying. Forces conducted a search without incident, detaining four suspects.

The Haqqani 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. Haqqani leaders conduct operations in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network remains one of the most lethal Taliban organizations operating out of Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Area.

• Date Taken: 06.20.2009
• Date Posted: 06.20.2009 05:21
• Story ID: 35390
• Location: KABUL, AF