Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents During Operations in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2008 - Afghan National Army and coalition forces killed more than 15 insurgents yesterday in Kandahar province during a search for escaped prisoners from Kandahar City, military officials said.

The combined forces used precision air strikes to destroy the compound after insurgents attacked with small-arms fire, officials said.

More than 15 insurgents were killed and five suspects were taken into custody by the Afghan army. Officials were not able to confirm whether the insurgents or the five suspects in custody are escaped prisoners.

Troops also discovered a large cache of munitions and improvised explosive device components during the search.

Elsewhere, several militants were killed during a coalition forces operation yesterday in Helmand province targeting a Taliban leader and weapon's smuggler.

Military officials said the target of the operation was a known militant leader in the Garmser district responsible for smuggling weapons into the area.

Coalition forces identified several different militant elements during the operation. Groups of armed militants maneuvered against and engaged the force. Coalition forces responded with small-arms fire, killing the militants.

On multiple occasions groups of militants engaged the force from defensive positions within separate compounds. Coalition forces responded with a combination of small-arms fire and air strikes, officials said.

During their search, coalition forces discovered multiple AK-47s, rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition vests and ammunition. Also discovered were several caches of narcotics, estimated to total 250 pounds, and a vehicle being used by the militants. The weapons, drugs and vehicle were destroyed.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)

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