Monday, May 01, 2006

Afghanistan- Troops Kill Enemies, Destroy Weapons Caches

ASHINGTON, May 1, 2006
Coalition forces killed more than a dozen enemy fighters in Afghanistan's Helmand province and, in joint operations with Afghan forces, destroyed weapons caches in Kabul, Kunar and Ghazni provinces April 29, military officials reported today.

A coalition patrol saw 15 to 20 men carrying AK-47 assault rifles and rocket-propelled-grenade launchers moving with the apparent intent to set up an ambush, officials said. After positively determining the activity as enemy operations and confirming no civilians were in the vicinity, the patrol engaged and killed the enemy fighters. Coalition forces reported no casualties or damage.

"Afghan armed forces and their coalition partners stand ready to defeat these terrorists at every turn," said Army Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick, Combined Joint Task Force 76 spokesman. "We'll continue to pursue them and provide the security needed to ensure democratic processes can take root."

The same day, Afghan and coalition forces recovered more than 250 munitions and explosives in Kabul, Kunar and Ghazni provinces.

Coalition explosive ordnance disposal teams destroyed mines, fuses, mortars, rocket warheads, artillery projectiles and recoilless rifle rounds during a controlled detonation in Ghazni.

In separate incidents, troops seized rounds of ammunition, ammunition magazines, weapon rack systems, AK-47 assault rifles, pistols and a machine gun with ammunition.

"Recovering and disposing of these weapons increases the safety and security of Afghans, and reduces the danger in the area posed by criminals and insurgents who might use those munitions indiscriminately to cause harm (to) the Afghan people, Afghan security forces or coalition forces," Fitzpatrick said.
(Above courtesy of DoD - American Forces Press Service and compiled from Combined Forces Command Afghanistan news releases)

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