PRESS RELEASE

Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ministry of Defense

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

February 15, 2009

Release Number: 20091502-03

Afghan Commandos capture suspected weapons facilitator in Farah Province

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army Commandos with the 207th Commando Kandak and Coalition forces captured a suspected weapons facilitator in Anar Dara district of Farah Province, Feb. 14. The district is located on the far western side of the province bordering Iran.

The Commandos raided the suspect's compound while Coalition forces formed a security perimeter. After the combined force positively identified the suspected weapons facilitator, the Commandos took him into custody.

The suspect is believed to have been supplying insurgent forces with weapons, munitions, improvised explosive device making materials, and financing insurgent activities throughout western Afghanistan.

No ANA, Coalition forces or civilian casualties were reported during this operation.

"The ANA continue to lead operations that support counter insurgency operations, in efforts to bring security to the Afghan people," said Major Gen. Mohammad Zahir Azimi, Chief spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Defense. "As the Army continues to increase its capability the insurgents will grow to realize that they will be defeated."

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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