IJC Operational Update, Jan. 6

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

01.06.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan-international security force captured an insurgent commander and other militants in Kandahar last night.

A joint security force went to a compound in the town of Adirah, in the Arghandab District after intelligence found militant activity in the area. During a search the joint force captured an insurgent commander involved in IED attacks and suicide bombings and other militants.

In Khowst last night, a joint security force searched a compound in the village of Badi Kheyl and detained some insurgents. The force also found a rocket propelled grenade launcher and RPG rounds and rifles.

In another operation last night, an Afghan-international security force searched a compound north of the village of Lakan, in Khowst. The joint force came under hostile fire from rifles and hand grenades and returned fire, killing some insurgents and wounding another. They also captured a Haqqani facilitator, believed responsible for delivering IED equipment, weapons and ammunition to militant
factions.

In an operation in Kunduz last night, an Afghan-international security force searched a compound outside Kunduz City, in the Chahar Darah District and killed two insurgents armed with a machine gun and RPGs.

In other operations, ISAF troops seized 3,600 kilos of opium in two separate events in Afghanistan.

In the Maiwand District of Kandahar today, an ISAF patrol spotted a truck moving at a high speed with its lights off. When the vehicle spotted the patrol, it stopped and the occupants jumped out and hide. The patrol moved in to investigate and found 239 15 kilo bags of opium in the vehicle. The occupants were detained and the drugs destroyed.

Yesterday in the Maiwand district, ISAF members noticed suspicious activity in a field. Then the troops saw someone throw what appeared to a weapon into a hole. The force moved in to investigate and discovered a rifle and about 110 pounds of opium. The drugs were turned in for destruction.

Nuristan PRT assists in Barge Matal

The Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team delivered materials to the village of Barge Matal recently to help the village rebuild and compensate for major losses after an anti-Afghan attack earlier last year.

Last summer, insurgents launched a series of attacks on the villagers of Barge Matal, coalition forces, and Afghan security forces, leaving many homes and the village sawmill - the only source of economic activity for the village - burned down.

U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Christopher Saunders, Nuristan PRT engineering officer, has helped purchase parts for the sawmill over the past few months.

"The sawmill was the heart of economic activity in Barge Matal," Saunders said. "The destruction of the sawmill by AAF was a huge blow to the community, and it became our top priority to get a new band saw to the village to get the lumber industry going again."

The PRT has provided funds and equipment to allow residents to reconstruct their community and lives.

ISAF Casualties

There were no ISAF casualties in the past 24 hours.

• Date Taken: 01.06.2010
• Date Posted: 01.06.2010 02:46
• Story ID: 43472
• Location: KABUL, AF