Afghan, coalition forces continue to disrupt Haqqani network in Khowst

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.10.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan and coalition forces searched two compounds last night belonging to Haqqani commanders in Khowst province in an effort to disrupt the flow of weapons, suicide bombers and foreign fighters into the region.

The combined force targeted the enemy militants, about ten kilometers southwest of the city of Khowst, after intelligence indicated militant activity at those locations. The force searched the compounds without incident and detained six suspected militants, two of whom were identified as Haqqani commanders. One of these [Haqqani] commanders has been involved with past Kuchi tribe rocket attacks against Afghan, coalition forces and the smuggling of weapons, suicide bombers and foreign fighters into Afghanistan.

The force also confiscated the following items: two AKMs, two shotguns, a rifle with optic device, a pistol, multiple chest racks, one camera, multimedia devices, blasting caps and fragmentation material.

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: 07.10.2009
• Date Posted: 07.10.2009 00:44
• Story ID: 36187
• Location: KABUL, AF