TF Duke operation weakens Haqqanis in Musa Khel

Courtesy Photo | Afghan and Coalition forces patrol in the mountains of Musa Khel during Operation Nike IV. The operation was part of a larger brigade operation known as Duke Blitz, and clear suspected insurgent support zones, uncovered weapons caches, and denied insurgents sanctuaries. (Photo by U.S. Army 2nd Lt. James Hodges, 1st Bn, 26th Inf. Regt.)  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, AFGHANISTAN

10.18.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 1 - Afghanistan

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan – Calling it one of the greatest successes to date, Afghan and Coalition Forces completed a combined operation, Oct. 18, in the mountains of Musa Khel along the border of Khowst and Paktya provinces in eastern Afghanistan.

“We yielded significant finds which will reduce the [insurgent network’s] ability to conduct attacks against Afghan and ISAF forces and to further destabilize Khowst province,” said U.S. Army Maj. Ed Hollis, of San Rafael, Calif., the operations officer from 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Duke.

“We reduced their supplies of ammunition, explosives, bomb-making material, [improvised explosive devices], various medical and logistical supplies.”

Operation Nike IV, part of a larger brigade operation known as Duke Blitz, cleared suspected insurgent support zones, uncovered weapons caches, and denied insurgents sanctuaries from which to plan and launch future attacks.

The operation, which began Oct. 13, resulted in 11 insurgents captured and the discovery of six weapons caches. In one cache, soldiers found a significant amount of material for the productions of IEDs.

“The Afghan National Army continues to drastically improve and take the lead during operations,” said Raleigh, N.C., native U.S. Army 1st Lt. Steve Naser, executive officer and acting commander for Company B, 1st Bn., 26th Inf. Regt.

Another cache revealed that criminals also exist amongst the insurgents. Amid a stock of hand grenades, AK-47s, shotguns and a machine gun, the Afghan and U.S. soldiers uncovered 77 bags of hashish and 15,000 Pakistani Rupees.

U.S. Army Capt. Josh Wiles, from Bradenton, Fla., native commander of Company D, 1st Bn. 26th Inf. Regt., emphasized the fact that Afghan Security Forces had rarely been to Musa Khel until recently.

“The ANA put a great foot forward in an area that has been controlled by insurgents,” said Wiles. “The locals were very receptive to a permanent [Afghan Security Force] presence in the area,” he said.

Hollis agreed.

“This operation showed that Afghan forces can extend the reach of their government into the most remote, mountainous areas of Afghanistan to provide security for the populace," he said.

• Date Taken: 10.18.2011
• Date Posted: 10.21.2011 18:18
• Story ID: 78822
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, AF