OEF Summary; Dec. 9, 2008: Troops Kill 2 Militants, Detain Others in Afghanistan

Dispatches from the Front:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2008 -- Afghan and coalition forces killed two militants yesterday in the Nar Surkh district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province, military officials reported.

Militants using an illegal checkpoint attacked the combined forces with small-arms fire. Forces responded with small-arms and heavy-weapons fire, killing two militants.

“The Afghan national security forces continue to take charge and provide security to the Afghan people in Helmand province,” Army Col. Jerry O’Hara, a U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesman, said. “The ANSF are leading from the front and defending their country against those who rule by intimidation, hide among women and throw acid at children.”

Also yesterday, Afghan National Police and coalition forces detained nine suspected militants during a combined operation to disrupt the Haqqani terrorist network southeast of Kabul in Khowst province, officials said.

The combined forces were targeting a suspected Haqqani commander, who is believed to be responsible for directing and assisting with the movement of weapons and foreign fighters into the region. He also is suspected of planning and coordinating attacks against civilians, government officials and coalition forces.

During the operation, the combined forces encountered an armed militant who refused to comply with their instructions and displayed hostile intent. Forces engaged the man with small-arms fire and wounded him. Medical personnel on the site administered care and evacuated him to a medical treatment facility. Once released, the militant will be detained, officials said.

(Compiled from U.S. Forces Afghanistan news releases.)

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