Prosperity continues, despite insurgent attacks in Paktia

KABUL, Afghanistan (June 14) - Insurgents continue to target and attack civilians in eastern Afghanistan, killing 4 and wounding 2, on June 13.

In Paktia province, one Afghan died and two others were wounded when militants fired mortars and assault weapons at the Waze Zadran district centre and a nearby combined outpost.

Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) members from the outpost responded to the insurgent attack while an ISAF patrol went to the district centre to provide medical assistance to the wounded Afghans.

No Afghan civilians were injured or killed in the ISAF response, and there were no ANSF or ISAF casualties.

In another attack in the Paktia province, insurgents attacked Afghan workers with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and small arms fire while constructing the Khost-Gardez road in the Shawak district, killing three Afghans providing security for the construction site.

Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers responded to the attack and secured the situation.

Construction of the Khost-Gardez road, which is expected to increase commerce between Khost and Gardez and economic development in both provinces, will continue, in spite of the militants' assault on the construction workers.

"The Afghan government, ANSF and ISAF will continue working to secure the area and improve the infrastructure for the people of Paktia," said Army Lieutenant Colonel Clarence Counts, Public Affairs officer, Combined Joint Task Force 82. "While the militants murder and wound innocent Afghans in their efforts to destroy progress, we remain determined to bring peace and prosperity to the area."