ANAP, Coalition forces defeat insurgent attack in Helmand Province

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Auxiliary Police, advised by Coalition forces, defeated an attack by a large group of insurgents during a combat patrol nine kilometers (5.5 miles) north of the Sangin District Center in the Helmand Province this afternoon.

The initial extremist Taliban attack began when 12 fighters engaged the ANAP-led force from three sides with small arms, heavy machine gun, mortars and RPG fire as the patrol neared Shalban Village, Musa Qalah District.

The combined force repelled the attack and forced the insurgents to retreat into a nearby tree line.   The extremists Taliban reinforced their positions away from the village with additional fighters throughout the battle.  The combined force called in Coalition close air support to destroy the positively identified and exposed insurgents.

The ground force commander estimated that more than 40 insurgents were involved during the failed attack on the combined force.

 “The enemies of peace and stability continue to use the holy month of Ramadan as an opportunity to conduct violent acts against the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesperson.  “Our forces were on a routine patrol today in the Sangin area when they were attacked without warning.  The ANAP is growing in capability with each patrol, and the Coalition forces with which they work have noted a marked increase in their abilities.”

A dozen enemy fighters were killed in the engagement.  No ANAP, Coalition or non-combatants were reported injured or killed during the fighting.
Contact Information – CJTF-82 Public Affairs Office Tel – 0093-799-063-013

DSN: 318-431-7852

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