OEF Update, June 11, 2009: Troops Win Decisive Victory in Bala Murghab

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, June 11, 2009 -- Afghan national army and International Security Assistance Force troops conducted a successful operation in Baghdis province, including a major battle with insurgents on June 10.

In a three-hour action, ANA forces supported by ISAF killed and wounded a significant number of insurgents near Bala Murghab valley.

ISAF troops included Italian soldiers from the Folgore Parachute Brigade. This was also the first combined operation involving the 1st and 10th Kandaks, 1st Brigade, 207 ANA Corps.

Afghan security forces and ISAF now have strategical control vital for the security and stability of the entire province.

The complex operation was conducted with ANA and ISAF troops using a combination of small arms, Italian A 129 "Mangusta" Attack Helicopter support, and mortar fire.

During the operation, security forces requested the support of additional helicopters.

Two helicopters received minor damage from insurgent small arms fire, however were still able to continue supporting the operation.

No ANA or ISAF troops were killed during the fighting.

Insurgent casualties included two senior militants known to Afghan security forces in Badghis province.

(Report from an International Security Assistance Force news release.)

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