Release Number 20090101-01

January 1, 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces killed eight armed Taliban militants and detained one suspected militant during an operation to disrupt the foreign fighter and roadside bomb network in Zabul Province, Wednesday. 

In Arghandad District, approximately 120km northeast of Kandahar City, Coalition forces targeted a Taliban sub-commander wanted for his ties to the roadside bombing network along Highway One and recent attacks against Coalition forces in Zabul Province.  He is also assessed to traffic foreign fighters into the region. 

During the operation Coalition forces gave explicit instruction for all individuals to exit the building peacefully.  Adhering to the instructions, four women and ten children exited and were protected by the force and moved to a safe location.  Several armed militants refused to exit the compound.  These militants presented a threat to the force and had to be engaged with small-arms fire, killing six.  A search of the targeted compound revealed multiple AK-47 assault rifles, pistols and hand grenades.  Coalition forces confiscated these items to prevent future use. 

As Coalition forces left the targeted building armed militants moving along a nearby ridge attempted to maneuver on and engage the force.  Realizing the imminent threat Coalition forces engaged the militants with precision close-air fire support, killing two armed militants. 

“Roadside bombers and those who support them are a threat to the Afghan people and their livelihood, as well as to all security forces operating in Afghanistan,” said Col Jerry O’Hara a U.S. Forces spokesman.  ‘We will continue these capture/kill operations until the roadside bomb networks stop, simple as that.”