Release Number 20090601-01

January 6, 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police and Coalition forces detained four suspected militants during operations targeting the Haqqani and Taliban terrorist networks in Khost and Zabul provinces, Monday.

ANP and Coalition forces conducted a combined operation in the Nadir Shah Kot District, approximately 145 km southeast of Kabul City, targeting a Haqqani commander responsible for attacks against innocent civilians and Coalition forces.  Operating throughout the Khost region, the wanted Haqqani commander is believed to plan and direct suicide and roadside bombings as well as direct attacks against Afghan and Coalition forces.

The combined force searched multiple compounds without incident, and detained one suspected militant while protecting 12 women and 21 children.

In Zabul province, Coalition forces continued to apply pressure to the Taliban’s roadside bombing network and detained three suspected militants.  The operation in Qalat District, approximately 120 km northeast of Kandahar, targeted a Taliban militant believed to carry out roadside bombings and attacks against Coalition forces along Highway One. The targeted militant is also believed to be in contact with multiple Taliban commanders in the region.

“Yesterday, the militants made an exaggerated claim to have killed many Afghan and Coalition forces.  The real truth is, the use of these road side bombs hurt many innocent Afghans but the militants never consider or admit to the real harm that they bring,” said Col. Jerry O’Hara, a U.S. Forces Afghanistan spokesperson. “This successful combined operation focused on IED networks.  It was accomplished with a great deal of restraint and concern for the civilians in the vicinity. This mission is about preventing casualties and improving the well-being of the Afghan people.”