Coalition forces kill nineteen militants; detain three in Konar and Khost

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces killed nineteen armed militants and detained three suspected militants during multiple operations to disrupt the Haqqani, Taliban and al-Qaeda improvised explosive device and foreign fighter networks in eastern Afghanistan, Friday.

In Dara Noor District, Coalition forces targeted a known al-Qaeda leader, believed to facilitate the movement of foreign fighters and weapons into Konar province.  The AQ leader is also believed to be in contact with other militants in the region, coordinating attacks against Coalition forces and innocent civilians.

As the force began a search of the targeted compound they were immediately engaged by two armed militants inside the first building.  The force responded with small-arms fire, killing both armed militants.  Following the engagement, the force moved to a second building in the compound.  As the force approached the building multiple armed militants exited the building, attempting to maneuver on the force and engaging them with small-arms fire.  Coalition forces returned fire, killing five armed militants, one of whom was an armed female.  One suspected militant was detained during the operation.

A second operation, in Nadar Shahkot (Nader Shah  Kowt) District, targeted a militant known to have ties to both the Taliban and Haqqani terrorist networks and to coordinate and direct IED attacks in the region.  As the force approached the targeted militant, located in a vehicle, the two militants inside reached for AK-47s.  Faced with the hostile intent, the force engaged both small-arms fire, killing them.  Coalition forces conducted a search of the vehicle, finding explosives.  Coalition forces destroyed the vehicle due to the threat it presented to both the force and local civilians.

Also in Nader Shah Kowt, Coalition forces killed ten armed militants and detained two suspected militants during an operation directed at a known Haqqani IED and suicide bomber facilitator.  As the force attempted to search the compound they were engaged by several groups of armed militants, wielding AK-47s and rocket propelled grenades.  Coalition forces responded with small-arms fire, killing six, including the targeted Haqqani militant.  A search of the compound revealed multiple AK-47s, and RPG, five RPG rounds, a pistol and other military style equipment.

As the force attempted to leave the compound they received heavy fire from militants inside a building.  Realizing the threat, Coalition forces engaged the militants with precision, close-air support to neutralize the threat and protecting the force.