OEF Update, Dec. 2, 2009: Forces Strike Taliban Compound in Kunar; US Casualty

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 02, 2009 -- International forces conducted an air strike against a Taliban commander in a remote area of eastern Afghanistan yesterday.

The Taliban commander was the target of the precision strike in Kunar province's Dara Noor district, which occurred in an open area away from civilian compounds or infrastructure.

Assessment of the strike continues.

In another joint operation today, an Afghan-international security force detained several suspected militants in Kandahar province after searching a compound known to be used by a Taliban financier and facilitator.

The joint force targeted the compound approximately five miles southwest of Kandahar City. The force searched the compound without incident and detained the suspected militants, including the Taliban financier and facilitator. No shots were fired, and no one was injured.

The Taliban uses an extensive network of supply routes in southern Afghanistan to arm and equip its militant elements within the country. Afghan and international security forces consistently partner personnel and resources to block these routes and ensure the safety and well being of the Afghan people.

ISAF Casualty:

An ISAF servicemember from the United States was killed when his patrol was attacked by insurgents in eastern Afghanistan yesterday.

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