Insurgent activity causes civilian casualty in Logar

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 3) – Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops conducted an operation in Baraki Rajan, Logar province, April 13 that resulted in the capture of five suspected insurgents.

The incident was initiated when ISAF troops discovered a large group of insurgents placing Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) on a road. During their retreat to a nearby compound, the insurgents attacked ISAF troops with small arms fire. The compound was also fortified with heavy machine gun positions. The insurgents declined an ISAF offer to surrender peacefully once their compound was cordoned.

ISAF troops also requested that any women and children in the compound be released unharmed by insurgent forces. No civilians left the compound.

ISAF troops, along with ANSF forces responding to the incident, exposed themselves to great personal risk by choosing to assault the compound rather than initially using air munitions. During the gunfire that resulted from the incident, twelve male insurgents were killed. Upon subsequent investigation of the compound, ANSF troops discovered one woman who was believed to have been killed in the crossfire.

An investigation is being conducted by ANSF at the site. Initial indications show that the woman was killed by insurgent small arms fire.

Significant amounts of weapons were discovered in the compound, including eight AK47 rifles, two rocket propelled grenade launchers, several rocket canisters, 82mm mortars, and two heavy machine guns.

“ANSF and ISAF are making significant progress against insurgent groups in Logar province who are involved in murdering civilians with IEDs,” said Brigadier-General Richard Blanchette, ISAF spokesperson. “Today’s firefight illustrates the difference between ISAF troops who risk their lives to protect civilians, and insurgents who deliberately and tragically place civilians at risk.”