FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 4, 2008

Release Number: 20080412-02

ANSF, Coalition forces respond to attack, kill 10 militants in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces killed 10 militants Wednesday in Nar Surkh District, Helmand province, in southern Afghanistan, after the militants attacked a Coalition base with rocket-propelled grenades and machine-gun fire.

The combined forces positively identified the militants’ fighting position and responded with mortar fire, killing 10 militants.

No ANSF, Coalition forces or civilian casualties have been reported.

“Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces continue working together against the militants,” said Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, Chief spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defense.  “Our cooperation provides better security for the people of Afghanistan.”

- 30 -

Contact information:

- Ministry of Defense, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,

Press office telephone:  93 (0) 20 210 2742

- US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs, office telephone:  93 (0) 799 51 2919