Afghan, coalition forces conduct operations against the Haqqani network in Khost

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

06.28.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces conducted two operations in the Musa Khel District of Khost province yesterday, targeting a key commander in one operation and searching a compound in another.

Coalition forces used precision air strikes in a remote area of Musa Khel District targeting a key Haqqani commander responsible for planning militant attacks against coalition forces.

Intelligence sources indicated his location in this mountainous district, approximately 45 km northwest of the city of Khost. Coalition forces observed and identified suspected militants gathering at this location and called for precision air strikes to eliminate the target.

A coalition patrol conducted a battle damage assessment of the area and confirmed there were no non-combatant casualties. The patrol recovered multiple weapons consisting of small arms, heavy machine guns, rocket propelled grenades, ammunition, grenades, radios and military load-bearing equipment. All of the items were destroyed in place.

In a separate engagement in Musa Khel District, Khost province, Afghan and coalition forces patrolled to a compound near the village of Wech Paray, about 40 km northwest of the city of Khost. Intelligence sources indicated militant activity at this compound. The forces searched the compound without incident and detained six suspected militants.

The Haqqani network, a Taliban organization, 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.

No Afghan or coalition forces or noncombatants were injured in either operation.

• Date Taken: 06.28.2009
• Date Posted: 06.28.2009 10:42
• Story ID: 35714
• Location: KABUL, AF