OEF Update, Oct. 13, 2009: Afghan-International Security Forces Kill, Detain Militants

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 13, 2009 -- Afghan and International security forces killed and detained several suspected militants in three operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan, Oct. 12 and today.

A joint security force killed and detained several enemy militants during a search in Zabul province near the village of Sorkhagan in Shahjoy district, in pursuit of a Taliban commander and his element responsible for a number of attacks in the region on Oct. 12.

During the search the joint security force stopped a vehicle reportedly associated with militant activity. The suspected militants in the vehicle did not comply with commands the joint force issued, moved with hostile intent against the force and were killed. Subsequently, forces found they were carrying an improvised explosive device, IED components, rifles, hand grenades and ammunition belts with multiple magazines. All material found was destroyed in place.

The joint force searched another vehicle and detained several suspected militants.

In a separate operation in Kandahar province, a joint force detained several suspected militants today after searching a series of buildings known to be used by a Taliban facilitator and his element responsible for financing and supplying weapons and fighters to other Taliban elements in the region.

The joint force conducted the search of buildings on the east side of Kandahar City without incident.

In a third operation a joint security force detained several militants today after searching a compound in Wardak province, near Kharyan village known to be used by a Taliban commander and a group believed responsible for numerous small arms and IED attacks across the region. The search was conducted without incident.

No Afghan civilians were harmed during these operations.

No International Security Assistance Force service members were killed during the past 24 hours.

(Compiled from NATO International Security Assistance Force news releases.)