ANP, Coalition forces target al-Qaeda and Haqqani foreign fighter networks

KABUL, Afghanistan – Five militants were killed and 18 detained during ANP and Coalition  operations aimed at dismantling the al-Qaeda and Haqqani foreign fighter networks in eastern Afghanistan, Saturday.

In Zurmat District, Coalition forces detained a significant al-Qaeda associated militant, known to finance militant operations and to assist Taliban leaders with the movement and training of Arab and foreign fighters into Afghanistan.  The al-Qaeda associate was detained during one of several operations targeting the al-Qaeda network in Paktia province, Saturday.  These operations resulted in five armed militants killed and eight militants detained.  Searches conducted during the operations revealed rocket propelled grenades (RPGs), several dozen hand grenades, multiple AK-47s and other military equipment.  These items were destroyed to prevent future use.

In Khost, Afghan and Coalition forces netted a Haqqani militant also known to facilitate the movement of foreign fighters into Afghanistan.  During the combined operation, the force discovered 10 additional males believed to be militants and seeking safe heaven as they move into Terezai District to conduct attacks.  The combined force also found multiple hand grenades and other military style equipment in the compound.