3-187, ANSF air assault into Omar Khel

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces with Soldiers from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment conducted an air assault, in the village of Omar Khel, Kushamond district, July 3.

This air assault resulted from intelligence gathered following the death of Qari Fa’iz Ghul, an insurgent commander in the area, said U.S. Army Capt. Aaron Schwengler, the Company B commander from Bismarck, N.D. 

The combined security element flew into Omar Khel on CH-47 helicopters. Security forces maneuvered quickly, causing the insurgent fighters to flee. One top insurgent was killed during this operation.

“The successful removal of this [insurgent] fighter will have a large impact on the cell operating in the Kushamond district,” said Schwengler.  “Their ability to intimidate the population will be greatly reduced in Omar Khel.”

Four men identified by Sub-Governor Miyah Khan were brought back to Sharana for further questioning by the National Directorate of Security. 

The ANSF also found a rifle, two mortar rounds, a motorcycle and propaganda materials, Schwengler said.

“B Company and their Afghan partners continue to keep pressure on the insurgents in the Kushamond district,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Fivecoat, commander of 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, and a native of Delaware, Ohio. “We will continue to relentlessly pursue the Taliban in this area.”