Press Release

United States Forces-Afghanistan

March 19, 2009

Release Number 20091903-01

Afghan, Coalition Forces disrupt suicide bomber, IED-making cell

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan Forces, with a small contingent of Coalition Forces, conducted operations early March 19 in Bati Kowt District, Nangarhar Province, approximately 30 km southeast of Jalalabad, to disable an Al Qaida cell that facilitates suicide bombers and plans improvised explosive device attacks.

The assault force searched a compound without incident.  At a second compound, two armed militants engaged the force and were killed.  A total of four suspected militants were detained.

The force found two AK-47 assault rifles, one Marakov pistol and a vehicle that had been altered to be used as a vehicle-borne IED.  The vehicle was removed from the compound.  During the search, the force also found seven kilograms of opium, which they destroyed on site.

There were 11 women and 36 children protected.

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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

Primary: Tel +93 (0) 799 51 2919

Alternate:  Tel +93 (0) 707 355 965

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