Afghan-International Security Force Pursues Taliban in Kandahar

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.25.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan — A joint Afghan and international security force detained suspected militants during a search of a compound in Kandahar province on Friday night.

The force searched the compound on the east side of the city after intelligence indicated militant activity. The search found evidence supporting the intelligence, including incriminating photographs. The compound is known to be frequented by a Taliban commander in charge of suicide bomber attacks in the region.

During the operation, three Afghan national security force members were killed and three ANSF were injured when they fired upon the joint force members as they were patrolling the compound. A vehicle also passed by and fired upon the joint force. The joint force commander de-escalated the engagement by using interpreters with bullhorns and then met with the ANSF leaders.

The joint force offered medical treatment to the wounded, but the ANSF declined and provided treatment and medical evacuation for their wounded. An investigation into the incident has been directed.

There were no international security force or civilian casualties during the operation.

Kandahar province has been a target of Taliban violence as militants seek to disrupt governance and security in the region. Taliban commanders continually seek to establish strongholds in the province to facilitate the movement of fighters, explosives and weapons into the country.

• Date Taken: 07.25.2009
• Date Posted: 07.25.2009 05:37
• Story ID: 36802
• Location: KABUL, AF