Coalition forces kill six, detain seven during operations in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces killed six armed militants and detained seven suspected militants while targeting the Haqqani and Taliban leadership in Paktia, Khowst and Ghazni provinces, Tuesday.

Coalition forces in Paktia, searched a compound in Zadran District, targeting a Haqqani commander and financier, known to coordinate and direct terrorist attacks in the region.  The force searched the compound without incident, detaining two suspected militants.

In Shamal District, Khowst, a Coalition forces’ convoy was attacked by a group of armed militants.  Coalition forces returned fire, engaging the militants with small-arms fire precision, close-air fire support, killing six armed militants and destroying one vehicle.  No Coalition forces were injured during the engagement.

A third operation, in Ghazni province, netted four suspected militants as Coalition forces again targeted the Taliban leadership in Waghez District.  The targeted Taliban sub-commander is suspected of facilitating and coordinating improvised explosive device attacks in the region.  As the force searched the targeted compound, one male attempted to flee.  Coalition forces, with the use of a military working dog, were able to track and apprehend the male.  Four suspected militants were detained during the operation.

Also in Ghazni, Coalition forces targeted a militant associated with the Taliban terrorist network, in Deh Yak District, believed to facilitate IED attacks and the movement of foreign fighters into the region.  The force detained one militant during the operation.