OEF Update, Oct. 7, 2009: Troops Kill, Detain Militants in Afghanistan

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 7, 2009 -- Afghan and International security forces killed and detained groups of suspected militants in four separate search operations conducted Oct. 6 and 7, in eastern and southern Afghanistan.

A joint security force killed and detained several suspected militants in Saydabad district, Wardak province today, after searching a compound known to be used by a Taliban group believed responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians and regional infrastructure.

During the search the joint security force received hostile fire and returned fire, killing several enemy militants. The joint force also found a suicide vest and destroyed it in place.

On Oct. 6, a joint security force killed and detained suspected militants in Kabul province during an operation to disrupt a Taliban element responsible for improvised explosive device placement and attacks on joint forces in southeast Afghanistan. Acting on reports indicating the presence of a known Taliban commander, the joint force searched a location near Niknazar Kalay in Shinkay district.

During the search enemy militants armed with rifles attempted to move against the joint force. The joint force received hostile fire from enemy militants and responded with small arms fire killing them. A search of the suspected militants revealed multiple AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition, which were destroyed in place.

In another operation today a joint security force detained several suspected militants south of Marjeh in Helmand province. The joint force searched a compound known to be used by a Taliban commander and his element believed to be responsible for transporting weapons to other militant elements and for several small arms and suicide attacks against Afghan civilians and infrastructure in the region. The force uncovered 115 pounds of black tar heroin and destroyed all of it in place.

In a fourth operation a joint security force captured two wanted Taliban militants Oct. 6 in the Tere Zayi district of Khowst province where enemy fighters had created a safe-haven. The suspected Taliban militants were wanted for conducting illegal activities including coordinating attacks against joint security forces and for facilitating the distribution of weapons and narcotics.

During this operation the joint security force searched a number of compounds known to be used by militants and Taliban leaders who are believed to be responsible for roadside bomb attacks against Afghan National Security Forces in the area. Several suspected militants were detained for questioning.

A supply of AK-47 rifles, ammunition and magazines was found during the search and destroyed.

No Afghan civilians were harmed during these operations.

No ISAF service members were killed over the past 24 hours.

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