FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 27, 2008

Release Number: 20082612-01

Combined forces destroy weapons cache in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition forces killed six militants during a security patrol in Nahr Surkh district, located in Helmand province, Dec. 25.

While combined forces were conducting a security patrol, they positively indentified a group of militants recovering munitions from a prepositioned weapons cache.  When the militants demonstrated hostile intent, the combined forces engaged the militants with small-arms fire and killed them.  The weapons cache was destroyed to prevent future use.

“This is another example of how ANSF and Coalition forces are working together to provide security and meet the needs of the Afghan people,” said Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, Chief spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Defense.  “This security provides a better well-being for the people of Afghanistan.

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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