Afghan, Coalition Forces Destroys Haqqani Stronghold in Paktya

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.17.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan and coalition forces searched an enemy encampment last night in the remote reaches of Paktya province in an effort to disrupt the Haqqani-coordinated flow of foreign fighters and weapons through the Khowst-Gardez Pass.

The force targeted the site, about 35 kilometers southeast of the city of Gardez, after intelligence indicated militant activity. The force was engaged by small-arms fire from hostile militants on several different occasions throughout the operation. The force used direct fire and close air support to repel the attacks from militants.

Several enemy militants were killed during the engagement. The force continued the search and uncovered large munitions caches throughout the enemy encampment. All munitions were destroyed in place.

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: 07.17.2009
• Date Posted: 07.17.2009 02:38
• Story ID: 36464
• Location: KABUL, AF