Joint Press Release

February 26, 2009

Release Number 20092602-01

Afghan, Coalition Forces disrupt terrorist network in Eastern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security forces and Coalition Forces killed one militant and detained 10 suspected militants in operations in Nangarhar and Khowst Provinces Feb. 25.

In Kot District, Nangarhar Province, approximately 30 km southeast of Jalalabad, Afghan special operations forces backed by a small contingent of Coalition Forces, conducted an operation to disrupt a foreign fighter facilitation network and suicide improvised explosive device operation.  The individual targeted during this operation was directly involved in the IED attack Feb. 7 that killed the Goshta sub-governor, and was known to have planned several attacks against Afghan and Coalition Forces in Nangarhar Province.

After arriving at the targeted compound, an armed individual maneuvered on the force with hostile intent.  The force responded, killing the militant.  Three other suspected militants were detained without incident.  During this operation, three women and 17 children were protected.

In Mandozi District, Khowst Province, approximately 10 km southwest of Khowst, Coalition Forces and Afghan National Police conducted an operation targeting a Haqqani network operator known to have carried out hostile actions against Coalition Forces in Khowst, including IED strikes and suicide bomber facilitation.

The combined force arrived at the targeted location and searched several buildings on multiple compounds.  One armed militant engaged the assault force and suffered a superficial injury from a gunshot wound.  Coalition Forces provided medical treatment to the individual and detained him and six other militants.  Forces found a pistol, shotgun and an AK-47 assault rifle in one of the buildings.  During this operation, 19 women and 28 children were protected.

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Contact information:

- Ministry of Interior, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Directorate of Media and Public
Relations, office telephone:  93 (0) 220 1758

- Ministry of Defense, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,
Press office telephone:  93 (0) 20 210 2742

Contact Information

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