OEF Update, Feb. 20, 2010: Operations in Afghanistan

Dispatches from the Front:

KABUL, Afghanistan, Feb. 20, 2010 -- An Afghan-international security force searched a vehicle and compound near Shiray in Helmand's Kajaki district after intelligence information indicated militant activity.

Several weapons were observed in the vehicle as the joint force approached and one of the occupants pointed a weapon at the security force. The security force engaged the vehicle, killing several militants. A search of the car revealed multiple AK-47's, a PKM machine gun and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

A nearby compound associated with the vehicle was also searched, resulting in the discovery of several more RPG rounds, grenades, chest racks and a handheld radio of a type often used by insurgents for communications. Several suspected militants in the compound were also detained.
In another Helmand operation yesterday, an Afghan-international security force searched a compound near Juz Ghuray in the Musa Qaleh district after intelligence information indicated militant activity. The joint force detained several suspected insurgents during the search.

In Kandahar last night, a joint force searched a compound outside the village of Angurian, in the Dand district after intelligence found militant activity. During the search the combined force captured a Taliban facilitator, responsible for weapons and ammunition buys and arranging suicide attacks, and a few other insurgents.

The combined force recovered multiple weapons, including two grenades and a large amount of U.S. dollars.

(From a NATO International Security Assistance Force news release.)