FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 30, 2008                                                                                        

Release Number 20083012-01

Coalition forces target Haqqani network in Paktiya

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces detained eight suspected Haqqani militants, including the two targeted individuals, during an operation to disrupt the Haqqani foreign fighter and roadside bomb network in Paktiya province, Monday.

In Shamul District, approximately 135 km south of Kabul City, Coalition forces apprehended two wanted Haqqani militants believed to traffic foreign fighters into Paktiya to conduct terrorist activities.  The targeted militants are also assessed to provide financial and logistical support to the terrorist organization, facilitating attacks against innocent civilians such as the December 27 attack in Khost which killed 14 Afghan children as they were leaving school.

During the operation, Coalition forces searched the targeted building finding spools of wire, blasting caps and other roadside bomb making material.  These items were confiscated to prevent future use.

“Given the circumstances of the last few days and the tragic murder of 14 children, Coalition forces exercised great restraint and professionalism in detaining these terrorists,” said Col. Jerry O’Hara, a U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesperson.  “It’s going to take greater Afghan citizen involvement to stop these networks.  They are the key to success here in Afghanistan.”

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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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