Fifteen militants detained, one killed by Afghan and Coalition forces

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – One armed militant was killed and fifteen suspected militants were detained during Coalition and combined operations with Afghan National Army Soldiers, targeting the Haqqani and Taliban terrorist networks in Khost and Ghazni, Sunday.

In Khost, Afghan and Coalition forces killed one armed terrorist and detained seven suspected terrorists during an Operation targeting a known sub-commander in the Haqqani terrorist network. The targeted militant is believed to assist with the movement of foreign terrorist in Khost.

After surrounding the target location, Afghan and Coalition forces called for the occupants of the building to surrender. Armed militants, hiding inside the building, engaged the force with small-arms fire. As the force attempted to assault the building it was determined the militants were using innocent women and children as human shields. Desiring to safeguard the innocent, Afghan and Coalition forces called for the women and children to evacuate the compound immediately. Once the women and children were safe, Afghan forces assaulted and conducted a search of the compound. One armed militant was killed during the operation, seven suspected militants were detained.

In Nadar Shahkot, Coalition forces detained five suspected militants assessed to have links to the Haqqani terrorist network. The targeted militant is suspected to having assisted foreign fighter movement into the Khost region.

Coalition forces, operating in Andar, searched a compound targeting a Taliban commander suspected of coordinating and directing improvised explosive device attacks-intended to injure and kill innocent civilians and Coalition forces as well as destabilize the region. Intelligence reports suggest he also finances militant operations and is connected to foreign terrorist facilitator networks.

A search of the compound revealed large amounts of U.S., Pakistan and Afghan currency. Three suspected militants were detained without incident and coalition forces confiscated over $2,400 in U.S. currency.