FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 21, 2008                                                                           

Release Number 20082111-03 

Afghan, Coalition forces kill 4 militants in Farah 

KABUL, Afghanistan – During an operation early Friday in Farah province, Afghan National Army commandos and their Coalition partners killed four militants, while simultaneously protecting nearly 90 non-combatants, including dozens of women and children, in the area. 

The combined forces were conducting a raid on a compound, targeting a Taliban commander in Dowlatabad village, Farah province, when they received fire from several enemy fighting positions.  The combined forces quickly returned fire and also established a security perimeter to protect 30 children, 25 women and 34 other non-combatants in the area of the operation.  The exchange of fire resulted in the deaths of four enemy fighters who the local population confirmed were Taliban militants. 

During the search for more militants, commandos discovered a fully operational improvised explosive device in the local mosque.  Commandos removed the IED from the mosque and destroyed it.  The detonation caused minor damage to the mosque’s exterior wall, for which the commandos provided compensation to village elders. 

The operation also uncovered numerous small arms weapons and IED-making materials.  Commandos held a shura with local leaders following the operation. 

No commando, Coalition forces or civilian casualties resulted from the operation. 

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United States Forces Afghanistan’s mission, in coordination with NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, is to conduct operations to defeat terrorist networks and insurgents by developing effective governance and building the Afghan National Security Force.  Effective security throughout the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan facilitates continued regional stability and increases economic development for the people of Afghanistan. 

Contact Information – US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office Tel +93 (0) 799 51 2919 or cell phone 0093 (0) 707 355 965

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