THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Forces Foil Taliban Ambush in Farah

Afghan National Army and Coalition forces return fire during an engagement with Taliban in Farah Province, Afghanistan, Dec. 5. The operation was conducted to disrupt Taliban activity in Farah Province and surrounding areas. U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Michael Zuk.

Dispatches from the Front:

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Dec. 9, 2007 -- Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition soldiers foiled a Taliban ambush in Kariz-e Sadeqin, Farah Province, Dec. 5.

The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance mission for a weapons cache when two squad-size elements of insurgents ambushed them with small-arms, rocket and indirect fire. ANSF returned small-arms and mortar fire, which allowed them to out-maneuver the insurgent forces and engage them with close air support.

The combined forces overwhelmed the insurgents with superior firepower, despite the arrival of enemy reinforcements.

“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s efforts to increase security in this region will positively affect the establishment of conditions necessary to facilitate future reconstruction and development,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman. “The insurgents tried to successfully ambush the ANSF patrol. But the results speak for themselves – another failure for the Taliban.”

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)