THE TENSION: Combat Camera: Forces Push Taliban Out of Northern Helmand

Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition soldiers conduct a reconnaissance patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Dec. 5. The operation was conducted to disrupt Taliban activity in Helmand and surrounding areas. U.S. Army Photo, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.

A combined force of Afghan and Coalition Soldiers conducts a reconnaissance patrol in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Dec. 5. The operation was conducted to disrupt Taliban activity in Helmand and surrounding areas. U.S. Army Photo, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.

Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition soldiers conduct a reconnaissance patrol in the vicinity of Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Dec. 5. The operation was conducted to disrupt Taliban activity in Helmand Province and surrounding areas. U.S. Army Photo, Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO.

Dispatches from the Front:

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Dec. 8, 2007 -- Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition soldiers pushed back Taliban insurgents from Now Zad, Helmand Province, Dec. 5.

The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol in Now Zad when Taliban insurgents attempted to ambush the patrol from established fighting positions. The enemy fired on the ANSF using small arms, rocket and mortar fire. The ANSF immediately returned small-arms and machine-gun fire, putting the enemy on the defensive.

The enemy moved to secondary positions in an attempt to flank friendly forces, as the battle escalated. ANSF identified the new enemy fighting positions and engaged with small arms, machine gun fire and precision air strikes.
The insurgents attempted to hide among the civilian population by moving into their homes.

“The enemy attempted to take advantage of the historic Afghan hospitality by using civilian homes as fighting positions,” the ANSF commander said. “Fortunately, the residents recognized the Taliban were abusing their hospitality and wanted no part of it.”

The Afghan civilians prevented them from using the compounds and its inhabitants as human shields. Tthe enemy executed a disorderly retreat and the ANSF continued to clear the village to ensure no insurgents remained.

“The ANSF and the citizens of Now Zad both demonstrated their resolve to eliminate the Taliban menace in northern Helmand Province,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman. “Continued collaboration like we saw today is the key to bringing peace and stability to this country.”

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