OEF Update, Oct. 20, 2009: Forces in Afghanistan Kill, Detain Militants

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 20, 2009 -- An Afghan and international security force killed half a dozen enemy militants and detained a few suspected militants today after searching two compounds known to be used by a Taliban commander and his element in Jaghatu district, Wardak province.

The suspected militants are believed responsible for guiding and directing other militant elements to conduct attacks in the area.

During the search, enemy militants displayed hostile intent outside of the compounds. The joint force used precision aerial fire to kill several armed militants posing a threat to the force. The joint force killed another armed enemy militant who displayed hostile intent inside the compound.

The force also discovered AK-47 rifles, hand grenades, ammunition, ammunition belts and communication gear. All items were destroyed in place.

In another operation today, a joint force detained several suspected militants after searching compounds in Khowst province, known to be used by a Haqqani facilitator and his element believed responsible for the supply of weapons and improvised explosive devices to other militant elements in the region.

The joint force conducted the search in Sabari district without incident. One of the detained was identified as the sought-after Haqqani facilitator. No Afghan civilians were harmed during these operations.

ISAF Casualties

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

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