Coalition Forces target Taliban, militant networks in eastern Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces killed five militants during two operations targeting al-Qaeda and Taliban terrorist networks in eastern Afghanistan, Friday.
 
Coalition forces targeted a Taliban sub-commander in Andar district who is known to plan and coordinate improvised explosive device attacks in Ghazni province.  He is also wanted for facilitating the movement of foreign fighters into Afghanistan.  

 In Ghazni, as Coalition forces entered the compound, they immediately encountered two armed militants attempting to maneuver on the force.  Realizing the threat, the force engaged the armed militants with small-arms fire, killing them.   A search of the targeted compound produced multiple AK-47s and material to make IEDs.  These items were destroyed to prevent future use.

 In Konar, Coalition forces observed multiple armed militants moving towards a Coalition forces’ base.  Airstrikes were used to engage the militants.  Following the strike, Coalition forces were dispatched to inspect the area.  As the force approached the location of the airstrikes, three armed militants engaged the force with small-arms fire.  The force returned fire, killing the three militants.
 
A search of the area revealed multiple AK-47s, hand grenades and military style equipment.  These items were also destroyed by the force.