Thursday, October 25, 2007

Afghan, Coalition Forces defeat insurgents in Helmand Province

Afghan and coalition forces engaged and killed nearly three dozen Taliban fighters in a second day of sustained fighting near the Musa Qaleh Wadi region of Helmand province Monday.

The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance mission when Taliban fighters engaged the patrol with rocket and small-arms fire. ANSF
and coalition forces returned fire and out-maneuvered the enemy and quickly put them on the defensive.

The Taliban continued attempting to reinforce their ambush positions for several hours. The coalition used small-arms, machine gun, mortar fire and close-air support to destroy Taliban fighters.

The enemy also placed an improvised explosive device along the route to prevent Afghan and coalition forces’ movements; however, an Afghan citizen led coalition members to the IED, where it was destroyed in place.

“This is a clear statement that Afghan citizens know the (Afghan forces are) here to secure and create a stable environment,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman.