OEF Summary, March 7, 2009: Forces in Afghanistan Kill 7 Militants, Detain 5

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, March 7, 2009 -- Afghan border police and coalition forces conducted multiple complex operations in Khowst and Kandahar provinces March 7, killing seven militants and detaining five suspected militants.

In Khowst City (Khost, Matun), Khowst province, approximately 150 km southeast of Kabul, a joint force conducted combat operations to further disrupt the Haqqani leaders in Pakistan. When the combined Afghan and coalition force arrived at the targeted compound, they were engaged by multiple armed militants using small-arms fire in a populated, urban area. The combined force returned fire, killing four militants and injuring one. The injured militant was treated by a coalition medical team and was detained. One armed militant who had fled the compound on foot was captured and detained. Three other militants were detained without incident. A search of the compound revealed weapons, explosives and improvised explosive device-making materials, which were taken off the compound to prevent their use against Afghan citizens, Afghan national security forces and coalition forces.

Fourteen women and 26 children were protected.

In Maywand District, Kandahar province, approximately 80 km west of Kandahar, a combined Afghan and coalition force conducted two operations to disable a mid-level Taliban commander responsible for conducting operations in Maywand District. Based on information, provided by a local Afghan, forces targeted a compound where a militant was staying. When the force reached the compound, an enemy combatant engaged them and was killed. A search of the compound revealed multiple weapons and grenades, which were destroyed outside the compound, minimizing collateral damage.

At a second location, two armed militants were killed during combat operations. A search of the compound revealed weapons and grenades, which were destroyed a safe distance from people and structures, minimizing collateral damage.

Eight women and 14 children were protected.

(From a U.S. Forces Afghanistan news release.)

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