OEF Update, Dec. 21, 2009: Militants Killed in Wardak, Detained in Helmand

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2009 -- An Afghan-international security force killed a couple of militants in Wardak province today while pursuing a small group of Taliban.

The joint security force searched a compound near the village of Andar in the Nerkh district after intelligence sources determined the location of militant activities. During the operation the security force came under fire, returned fire and killed the militants.

In another operation today, a joint force detained a small group of militants, including a Taliban weapons facilitator, in Helmand province. The facilitator is responsible for the movement of weapons and narcotics, as well as carrying out attacks in his district.

The joint security force searched a compound near the village of Gholam Nabi Kalay in Garmsir district after intelligence sources confirmed the facilitator„s location. The joint force searched the compound without incident and detained the militants including the weapons facilitator.

No civilians were harmed during these operations.

ANA Soldiers Receive Mine-Clearing Training:

Seventy Afghan National Army soldiers from the 201st Corps Mine Clearing Company recently finished a 14-week course to enhance their mine-clearing skills.

"These classes will increase the experience and readiness of the company for better executing the missions of the ANA," said Capt. Mohammad Asif Nasiry, an ANA company commander.

The training included de-mining, recognizing underground mines, discovering and neutralizing mines, and basic skills like radio operation and handling of M-16 rifles.

ISAF Casualties:

There were no ISAF fatalities in the last 24 hours in Afghanistan.

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