FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 3, 2008                                                                                          

Release Number 20080312-01

Coalition forces disrupt road-side bomb cell in Ghazni

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces killed three armed Taliban militants and detained one suspected Taliban militant during an operation to disrupt the Taliban’s terrorist network in Ghazni province, Tuesday.

In Andar District, located 200 km southwest of Kabul, Coalition forces targeted a known Taliban militant believed to coordinate and direct the Taliban’s terrorist activities in Ghazni.  He is also responsible for the recent targeting of GIRoA officials, Coalition forces and local Afghans who work for and with the legitimate Afghan government, using roadside bombs and committing other malicious acts that indiscriminately kill and harm innocent civilians.

As the force searched the compound, the three militants, who were armed with AK-47s, hand grenades and other military equipment, attempted to engage the force.  Coalition forces engaged the militants with small-arms fire, and killed them.  One other suspected militant was detained without incident.

A search of the militants and compound revealed multiple AK-47s, hand grenades other military equipment.  All were destroyed to prevent future use.

“As Coalition forces disrupt these road-side bomb cells, we save innocent Afghan lives,” said Col. Jerry O’Hara, U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman.

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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) 788 189 049

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