OEF Update, Dec. 28, 2009

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 28, 2009 -- Afghan and ISAF forces began an operation Sunday near Bala Murghab district in Badghis province to secure Afghan National Security Force outposts as part of a development plan started nearly a month ago. After the joint force occupied security outposts, 60 insurgent fighters attacked the force with small arms and RPG fire from multiple locations including adjacent compounds.

ISAF and Afghan forces continue fighting an extended battle with small arms and mortar fire as well as precision air strikes on confirmed insurgent positions.

Village elders have been consulted throughout the operation, and during a shura Sunday afternoon they expressed support for the operation. ISAF has received no reports of civilian casualties.

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