Kandahar has experienced a steady increase in pomegranate sales thanks to increased security in the region.

“This year is much better than the last, said Abdul Raziq, a pomegranate farmer and trader from Daman District. “I have expanded my market in the city and shipped almost three tons of my best pomegranates to Kabul, Dubai and India.”

Industries connected to pomegranate cultivation, such as transportation and grocery stalls, have also increased by 300 percent in Kandahar city since 2008, according to officials.

A quiet enabler of this business success has been the Afghan National Security Forces. The increased amount of security forces along main supply routes has permitted the vast majority of shipping to get through to Pakistan and India unhindered.

“In the past, a large portion our shipments were either stolen or criminals and Taliban told us to pay protection money,” said Hamadi. “It was a tough situation that lasted many years. We are grateful that this has changed and our brave Afghan heroes are keeping our roads safe.”

The market for pomegranates is one of the fastest growing in the world and many find Afghanistan to have the best pomegranates in the world. This season, Kandahar farmers have earned up to 45 Afghani per kilogram of pomegranates and in early November, they shipped more than 40 tons of pomegranates to Dubai in one week.

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The Sarco Abad management team from left to right: 19-year-old Arzoo, floor supervisor; Sharifa, manager; and Deputy Managing Director, 29-year-old Angela. Together, the team of junior businesswomen are striving to make the new Afghanistan a better place for all Afghans.

Women-owned and operated businesses supporting Afghan National Security Forces here have signaled gender empowerment, social progress and improved industrial infrastructure.

For 29-year-old Angela, deputy managing director of Sarco Abad, it’s a bit more than a job. While the company produces some 64 products –from sleeping bags to socks — and plans on growing from 12 employees to more than 200 in the near future, she has a far greater goal in mind.

“Our mission is to empower all women and children,” she said with pride. “Especially in rural areas where there is very little in the way of classes for women; we want to teach them the law, about human rights and skills they can use in life.”

But first things first, as Angela knows her goals won’t be realized unless the business succeeds in meeting customer demands for quality, quantity and timeliness. Despite the seriousness of her business in today’s Afghanistan, highlighted by a small army of security personnel dotting the factory landscape, they’re making the most of the opportunity.

“We’re having fun,” the well-spoken Angela said, “but as is the case with any business, it’s difficult in the beginning while we’re still developing our strategies, our plans to succeed and to expand. It’s very important that we focus on the quality of materials, produce products acceptable to our customers, and that we meet their deadlines for delivery.”

It was in August that the group of women put their plans into motion after being awarded one of three women-owned business contracts from Kabul Regional Contracting Contingency. Such successes are the culmination of initiatives from ISAF’s Afghan First Policy, NATO Training Mission – Afghanistan and Combined Security Assistance Command – Afghanistan’s local acquisition program management team, and the Central Command’s Contracting Command.

NTM-A’s chief of acquisitions and contract management agrees that Angela and her company face certain challenges, but not insurmountable ones.

“Entrepreneurs who take up the challenge have to work extremely hard to adopt new manufacturing infrastructure and processes to produce products that meet our demand for quality as well as affordability,” said Army Col. Anthony Pelczynski, a 1983 graduate of Virginia Tech. “Many companies are now building brand new facilities or significantly upgrading existing facilities, purchasing new equipment and hiring new work forces to meet the demand for locally produced commodities for the ANSF.”

“There is a new spirit of optimism in these factories and facilities,” he continued. “The large orders we place for items such as uniforms, boots and other individual clothing items to meet the rapid fielding of the ANSF enables the businesses to cover a lot of the risks associated with new starts. It is the first step to self sufficiency. “

Pelczynski also pointed out there are collateral benefits associated with these contracts. As requirements transition from initial fielding to sustainment rate quantities, the companies will have the resources and skills to branch out – to develop new markets and new opportunities with reduced risks.

“Some even invest in local vocational education centers to develop people with the specific skill sets needed to operate and sustain their business; skills required include accounting, program management, production control and quality inspections, plant facility management, and information management,” said Pelczynski. “Some manufacturers are starting to offer literacy classes, child care, and meals for their employees. This is very progressive management.”

Both NTM-A and CSTC-A want to encourage positive examples like this, companies who manage their assets and human resources with exceptional results. It’s hoped that over time this positive movement will permeate and lift up a culture and people who have been in an armed struggle for over 30 years.

And that fits right into Angela and the rest of her management team’s plans, as they’re already preparing for the future when the company will diversify and offer programs that benefit her employees and Afghanistan society as a whole.

“We’ve spent a long time in war, so there are a lot of women in Afghanistan who are uneducated,” said 19-year-old female manager Arzoo. “In fact, many don’t even know their own religion or what their rights are under Islam — so education is a priority. If we’re able to educate them, they will educate their children and the rest of their family; and that will make for a better Afghanistan.”

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Story by G. A. Volb

BARG-E MATAL, Afghanistan – ANA Soldiers stand guard after reclaiming Barg-e Matal on July 26.

Afghan National Security Forces, with support from their coalition partners, continued to secure Barg-e Matal on July 27.

Soldiers from the Afghan National Army conducted an air assault July 25 in order to reinforce security in the village, located in the Nuristan province.

The combined assault force took deliberate steps to avoid hurting any innocent civilians during the operation.

ISAF provided air support, supplies, and a small force in support of operation. The support helped the ANSF further secure the town, continuing their disruption of insurgent operations throughout the region.

Once operations conclude, follow-on efforts will include projects to reinforce security.

US Army RC East

Villagers return to the village of Barg-e Matal following the arrival of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan forces July 26

Afghan-international forces seized enemy weapons caches, captured or killed numerous insurgents, and reopened a long-closed school during recent operations conducted across Afghanistan, military officials reported.

In the July 22 Afghanistan news:

– An Afghan National Directorate of Security force discovered a large quantity of improvised explosive device-making material in a rock quarry in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province last night. The cache contained about 1,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, more than 5,400 electronic fuses, about 3,200 meters of detonation cord and 275 kilograms of black powder. The ammonium nitrate and black powder alone could be used to make more than 100 IEDs. The Afghan force asked for International Security Assistance Force help in destroying the cache.

“This find demonstrates the ever-increasing capability of the Afghan National Security Forces to operate independently,” Col. Rafael Torres, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director, said. “It also takes a large number of potential IEDs out of the hands of the insurgents whose indiscriminate use of IEDs endangers innocent Afghan civilians as well as Afghan and coalition forces.”

– Afghan and coalition forces captured a Taliban improvised explosive device facilitator in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province last night. The security force targeted a compound outside Jalalabad in pursuit of the facilitator and Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the buildings. After the occupants were interviewed, one of them led the security force to a different compound where he thought the targeted individual was residing. Once the second compound was secure, the combined security force detained the facilitator who peacefully surrendered and identified himself to the security force. No shots were fired and the women and children present were protected by the security force.

– An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents in Ghazni province last night while in pursuit of a Taliban subcommander who facilitates weapons and provides operations support for the Taliban in the area. The security force went to a remote compound in Gelan district to search the area. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for the occupants to exit the buildings and then cleared the compound. After the compound was secure, the security force detained two suspected insurgents for further questioning. No shots were fired and the women and children present were protected throughout the search.

– Afghan and coalition security forces last night struck at the Taliban leadership in Kandahar, capturing a senior Taliban commander and a member of the district military commission in Nad ‘Ali, Helmand province, who commands the movement of insurgent fighters and equipment through the Nad ‘Ali district. The joint security force also detained another suspected insurgent in the same operation. The joint security force targeted a compound in Daman district on the outskirts of Kandahar City. All of the residents complied with the instructions of the joint security force and peacefully exited the compound. After interviewing the residents, two suspected insurgents were detained for further questioning including a senior Taliban leader and one additional suspected insurgent.

In July 21 Afghanistan news:

– Afghan National Security Forces with International Security Assistance Force partners officially reopened a school that had been closed for 12 months due to facilities falling into disrepair. Over the last two months, the combined force engaged local tradesmen to build a new wall and metal gates, a school yard, plant trees and bushes, repair the existing water pump, install new windows and build new chairs and benches for the students. The reconstruction work now allows students to attend classes four days a week. Prior to the official opening, Afghan officials and local elders distributed school supplies to the approximately 200 students who attend the school each day. Extra school supplies have been given to the school for the expected 500 students who will attend the school in the future.

A local Afghan leader said, “It is magnificent that we are here today at the reopened school. Much has improved with the security situation to allow the school to reopen, and we are thankful of the Zabul Provincial Reconstruction Team and Lithuanians for rebuilding the school.” Combined forces are committed to assisting the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in rebuilding and repairing education infrastructure to educate Afghanistan’s children.

In July 20 Afghanistan news:

– An Afghan and coalition security force killed several insurgents and captured an improvised explosive device maker along with additional suspected insurgents in Kunduz province. The security force went to the first of a series of targeted compounds in the village of Qareh Khani in the Chahar Darah district in pursuit of a Taliban sub-commander who facilitates weapons and orders IED and rocket attacks against Afghan civilians and Afghan and coalition forces. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to peacefully exit the targeted compounds.

One heavily armed individual ran outside the compound and engaged the security force. The combined force returned fire, killing the insurgent. The combined force then moved to clear and secure the building. While clearing the area, the security force was engaged by an insurgent barricaded within one of the buildings and another insurgent in the courtyard. Returning fire, the assault force killed the insurgents. After the compound was cleared and secured, the assault force detained the IED maker and an additional suspected insurgent for further questioning.

Evidence collected at the scene directly linked the IED maker to a pressure plate IED attack that occurred less than three kilometers from the targeted compound on April 14. Additionally, several other IED related incidents have occurred in the immediate area over the last two years. IED materials including blasting caps and wire were found at the compound.

“This is another key capture toward ensuring the safety of the innocent Afghan civilians residing in Chahar Darah district,” said Col. James Dawkins, ISAF Joint Command Combined Joint Operations Center director. “The Taliban’s indiscriminate use of such tactics has killed hundreds of innocent civilians just this year.”

At the second compound, two armed males ran from the buildings into some thick vegetation. Afghan forces called for the individuals to peacefully surrender however, they engaged the combined force and were subsequently killed. After the compound was cleared and secured, the security force questioned the remaining residents. One suspected insurgent was detained by the security force for further questioning. The women and children present were protected throughout the searches.

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An Afghan national army soldier sends signals to an Afghan national army Air Corps Mi-17 as they conduct recovery efforts on May 21. (Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Michael Tateishi)

On May 21, Afghan national security forces worked side-by-side in facilitating the recovery efforts of the Pamir Airlines AN-24 that crashed in the Salang Pass May 17.

During the 40 sorties to a landing zone about 1,000 feet below the crash site early May 21, Afghan national army and Afghan national police were ferried up the mountain on Mi-17 transport helicopters flown by the Afghan national army Air Corps and the Ministry of Interior’s Air Interdiction Unit.

At least 200 mountain climbers and ANA soldiers were airlifted to the landing zone in the mountain and then hiked up the 70 degree angle to the crash site that spanned four to five football fields. In addition to recover crews, family members were escorted by ANP Mi-17′s to the site to pay their respects.

“I cried for a while”, said Kabul Wing Commander, Brig. Gen. Muhommed Barat who flew a number of those missions to the mountains. “I really felt bad when I saw their bodies”, said Barat.

At least 33 sets of identifiable remains were recovered and other remains are pending analyses. 44 passengers and crew were killed when they hit the side of a mountain in the Salang Pass between Bagram and Kabul on May 17.

“I give thanks to all my partners and all my brothers that helped us find the bodies and we were able to submit them to their families”, said Barat.

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By Tech. Sgt. Michael Tateishi

Be sure to read the second part of this story, from Reuters.

Afghan-international security forces conducted clearing operations Nov. 1 through 6 in the Chahar Dara district of the northern region of Kunduz province, killing more than 130 insurgents including eight Taliban commanders.

More than 750 Afghan and International forces took part in the operation to stop insurgent activity and weapons trafficking in the Chahar Dara district. The team also disrupted the insurgent shadow governor in Kunduz province.

The Afghan-International force provided humanitarian supplies to the affected villages after the operation. Six trucks delivered warm clothing and food, including staple items such as cooking oil, rice and beans. For photos showing Afghan soldiers handing supplies to local villages, go here.

Gov. Mohammad Omar of Kunduz province praised the accuracy of ISAF airstrikes against the insurgents and the caution used to employ them in areas void of civilian population or infrastructure.

“It is the largest operation I’ve ever seen in Kunduz,” the governor said. “You’ve got the Taliban running all over the place. Overall, I think this operation is wonderful.”

The military elements will continue to meet with village elders and ensure the area remains secure following the conclusion of the combat operations.

“People of Kunduz are very appreciative that international forces and Afghan National Security Forces are working together to better Afghanistan,” Governor Omar said. “Taliban in the area are on the run, and we have shown them that they cannot control the area.”

No ANSF or ISAF personnel were killed, and no civilians were injured during this operation.

ISAF

Kunduz province is mainly patrolled by the NATO force’s German contingent, which has failed to prevent Taliban fighters from taking control of many rural villages in recent months.

Its Char Dara district was the site of the deadliest incident involving German troops since World War Two. In early September, a German officer ordered a U.S. air strike that the Afghan government says killed 30 civilians as well as 69 fighters.

Germany acknowledged this week for the first time that civilians were killed in that strike and not all procedures were followed correctly, but says an air strike was nonetheless needed to prevent a suicide attack by fighters in stolen fuel trucks.

Reuters

Afghan and International security forces killed and detained groups of suspected militants in four separate search operations conducted Oct. 6 and 7, in eastern and southern Afghanistan.

A joint security force killed and detained several suspected militants in Saydabad district, Wardak province today, after searching a compound known to be used by a Taliban group believed responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan civilians and regional infrastructure.

During the search the joint security force received hostile fire and returned fire, killing several enemy militants. The joint force also found a suicide vest and destroyed it in place.

On Oct. 6, a joint security force killed and detained suspected militants in Kabul province during an operation to disrupt a Taliban element responsible for improvised explosive device placement and attacks on joint forces in southeast Afghanistan. Acting on reports indicating the presence of a known Taliban commander, the joint force searched a location near Niknazar Kalay in Shinkay district.

During the search enemy militants armed with rifles attempted to move against the joint force. The joint force received hostile fire from enemy militants and responded with small arms fire killing them. A search of the suspected militants revealed multiple AK-47 assault rifles and ammunition, which were destroyed in place.

In another operation today a joint security force detained several suspected militants south of Marjeh in Helmand province. The joint force searched a compound known to be used by a Taliban commander and his element believed to be responsible for transporting weapons to other militant elements and for several small arms and suicide attacks against Afghan civilians and infrastructure in the region. The force uncovered 115 pounds of black tar heroin and destroyed all of it in place.

In a fourth operation a joint security force captured two wanted Taliban militants Oct. 6 in the Tere Zayi district of Khowst province where enemy fighters had created a safe-haven. The suspected Taliban militants were wanted for conducting illegal activities including coordinating attacks against joint security forces and for facilitating the distribution of weapons and narcotics.

During this operation the joint security force searched a number of compounds known to be used by militants and Taliban leaders who are believed to be responsible for roadside bomb attacks against Afghan National Security Forces in the area. Several suspected militants were detained for questioning.

A supply of AK-47 rifles, ammunition and magazines was found during the search and destroyed.

No Afghan civilians were harmed during these operations.

No ISAF service members were killed over the past 24 hours.

ISAF

Afghan and coalition forces searched an enemy encampment last night in the remote reaches of Paktya province in an effort to disrupt the Haqqani-coordinated flow of foreign fighters and weapons through the Khowst-Gardez Pass.

The force targeted the site, about 35 kilometers southeast of the city of Gardez, after intelligence indicated militant activity. The force was engaged by small-arms fire from hostile militants on several different occasions throughout the operation. The force used direct fire and close air support to repel the attacks from militants.

Several enemy militants were killed during the engagement. The force continued the search and uncovered large munitions caches throughout the enemy encampment. All munitions were destroyed in place.

The Haqqani network remains one of the most lethal Taliban organizations operating out of Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Area. Haqqani leaders conduct operations in conjunction with other Islamic militant groups with similar goals and interests. The network focuses operations against the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Afghan national security forces and seeks to expel coalition and NATO forces from Afghanistan to maintain its influence in eastern provinces.

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A U.S. Army Soldier looks through Afghan voter registration cards, July 12, which were taken from women in the Barge Matal area by insurgents, hoping to disrupt the national elections, scheduled for late August, by denying women the right to vote. The cards were found by U.S. forces while service members searched Barge Matal during an operation aimed at taking back the tiny village in Afghanistan’s eastern Nuristan province, which was overwhelmed by insurgents earlier in the week. ISAF and ANSF plan to return the card to local village elders in the coming days. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew C. Moeller, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

A combined military operation between Afghan National Security Forces and International Security Assistance Forces, launched July 12, secured Barge Matal, in eastern Nuristan province.

Insurgent forces had overwhelmed the isolated mountain village several days prior to the operation, but fled as ANSF and ISAF service members quickly secured key areas of the village.

While securing the area, service members discovered several large weapons caches, including one in a local hotel, known for housing anti-Afghan forces in the area.

ANSF and ISAF also found a bag containing more than 80 voter registration cards taken from women in the area. The cards are believed to be evidence of insurgents desire to disrupt the national elections, scheduled for late August, by denying women the right to vote

A gun battle erupted in the late afternoon of July 12, and lasted into the early evening, until ANSF and ISAF personnel successfully repelled the insurgent attack.

Coalition representatives plan to meet with village elders in the near future to discuss the town’s continuing development, and to return the voter registration cards taken from local women by insurgents.

CJTF-82

Two related stories from the Marine operation in southern Afghanistan.

Afghan National Police assisted by International Security Assistance Force troops have restored government control in the town of Khan Neshin, July 6.

The mission was part of ISAF’s ongoing mission, Operation Khanjar, designed to provide stable conditions for the Afghan people by disrupting insurgents’ lines of communication and freedom of movement in Helmand province.

Afghan National Security Forces accompanied by approximately 500 US Marines have moved into the Khan Neshin area, located in the Rig District, near the part of the Helmand River known as “The Fishhook.” This is the first time international forces have had a sustained presence so far south in the Helmand River valley. Khan Neshin had been an insurgent stronghold for several years before ANSF and ISAF troops arrived and began discussions with local leaders several days ago.

The mission to secure Khan Neshin was part of a larger operation undertaken by ANSF and ISAF and to stabilise towns along the Helmand River Valley in order to connect local Afghans with their legitimate government while establishing secure conditions for national elections scheduled for August.

ISAF

After a 10 hour bumpy, dusty drive through the desert, the United States Marine Corps has now secured one of the southernmost points of operations in Helmand Province and begun construction on what will be the largest Combat Outpost (COP) ever built by Combat Logistics Batallion-8 from Camp Lejuene, North Carolina.

“This is the tip of the spear,” said Capt. Chris Annunziata. “Everything that happens south of the river depends on us.”

Within minutes of bulldozer and excavators being unloaded from flatbed trucks, construction began on COP Payne which overlooks the Helmand river valley. Annunziata, the onsite officer in charge of the construction project said building the COP will take just 96 hours to complete. The COP will serve as a logistical centre for all operations that will eventually take place south of the river along the border with Pakistan.

By the end of the first day of construction, a ten foot wall of dirt and gravel surrounded the 600 foot by 600 foot compound and a burn pit was dug for disposing of garbage. As the same time, other crews are working on a fording site across the Helmand River and fortifying Khan Necsion, a former insurgent stronghold that will now be handed over to the district governor.

“I have the best equipped and most motivated Marines,” said Annunziata. “These men and women are true professionals and I couldn’t be more proud of them.” The Marines carried out their work under the oppressive Afghan sun with temperatures soaring above 50 degrees centigrade.

Across the river, a curious lone rancher and his herd of cattle watched as COB Payne took shape. He was the only Afghan seen since departing Forward Operating Base Dwyer the night before.

“I wasn’t expecting any contact with insurgents on the drive down here,” said convoy commander, Lieutenant Tabitha Pinter. “This was a complete surprise. The enemy had no idea we were coming and they had no idea we’d take the route we took.” The convoy of 35 trucks and armoured vehicles drove through 112 kilometre of barren desert where no roads currently exist.

The Marines are not letting the quiet beauty of the river valley catch them with their guard down.

“All was quiet when we built Fire Base Thunder. It was three or four days later the insurgents learned we were there and that’s when they started their attacks,” said Annunziata.

ISAF

Afghan national security forces and International Security Assistance Forces have reported intense fighting in the Marjah area of Helmand province; over the last few days.

Marjah is known to be an insurgent stronghold, and recent events suggest there is an ongoing and concerted effort to build up the number of militants in the region. These militants include foreign fighters particularly from Balochistan, Pakistan. It is expected that this build up will result in a rise in violence.

Violence in this region is often associated with the illegal narcotics industry.

Across Afghanistan the narcotics industry has a negative influence on all aspects of society and hinders ISAF’s work in providing a secure environment for all Afghans.

This is particularly true in the Marjah area where there is a clear link between the narcotics trade, corruption and the financing of the insurgency. Funds gathered from the narcotics trade pay for the weapons, explosives and suicide bombers that insurgents use to kill innocent civilians, ANSF, ISAF and coalition forces.

Recent ISAF operations against the insurgents in the Marjah area have been successful, which may have provoked this increase in militant activity. Afghan security forces, supported by ISAF, have recently seized a significant quantity of narcotics in the Marjah region. Importantly, the influx of foreign insurgents and the end of the poppy harvest always contributes to an annual increase in the number of incidents in this region.

ANSF and ISAF troops operate throughout the year and are fully prepared for any rise in seasonal violence, especially given the increase in US forces moving into the area. In order to prevent civilian casualties, it is vital that innocent civilians separate themselves from the militant population. In doing so they will not be mistaken for insurgents or caught up amongst insurgents whose cowardly tactics see them hiding in the civilian population, thereby causing the loss of innocent lives.

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Afghan national security forces, advised by coalition forces, detained two drug traffickers and nearly 1,000 pounds of opium early this morning [May 12, 2009] in Musa Qaleh District, Helmand province.

The combined forces conducted a cordon and search of a suspected militant home when they discovered nearly 1,000 pounds of black tar opium. A suspected drug trafficker and an armed accomplice were found in the house and detained without resistance.

Afghan and coalition forces suspect this man has ties with insurgents, who use the proceeds from the sale of drugs to finance insurgent activities. One AK-47, one machine gun and one sniper rifle were also confiscated.

The drug cache was destroyed on site and the two men were taken into ANSF custody.

Thirteen men, nine women and eight children were safeguarded by ANSF and coalition forces during the search.

No ANSF, coalition forces or civilian injuries have been reported.

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Afghan national security forces discover 600 pounds of opium during a cordon and search operation of a known Taliban safe house, collection center and trauma center located in Babaji Village, Helmand province, May 7. Photo by Cpl. Sean Harp

Members of the Afghan national security forces, advised by coalition forces, confiscated 600 pounds of narcotics and killed seven armed militants last night [May 7 2009] during operations in the Nahr-e Saraj District of Helmand province.

Prompted by local reports of Taliban activities in the area, ANSF conducted a cordon and search operation of a number of compounds in a known insurgent safe haven and narcotics hub. The Afghan-led force discovered 600 pounds of opium, one AK-47 with 1,000 rounds and remote-controlled bomb-making components during the search.

Afghan national security forces, advised by coalition forces, discover a trauma center located inside a known Taliban compound during a cordon and search operation in Babaji Village, Helmand province, May 7. Photo by Cpl. Sean Harp

A trauma room was also discovered within the compound fully stocked with medical supplies and ready to treat militant casualties.

As the combined forces were searching the compounds, coalition air support helicopters began receiving small-arms fire from militants on the ground. They returned fire killing five armed militants. Two more armed insurgents were killed as they prepared to set up an ambush for ANSF.

Three suspected militants were taken into custody by ANSF.

No ANSF, coalition forces or civilian injuries have been reported.

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Afghan national security forces, assisted by coalition forces, killed six insurgents and destroyed a weapons cache in Shaheed Hasas District, Oruzgan province today [4-8-2009].

The combined forces were conducting a combat reconnaissance patrol in order to deny insurgent freedom of movement, when they positively identified six armed men emplacing improvised explosive devices and constructing an ambush site.

ANSF and coalition forces engaged the militants with mortar fire, killing all six. A search of the area uncovered several improvised explosive device making materials, small arms, two containers of homemade explosives, ammunition, detonators and 10 mortar rounds. ANSF destroyed the cache in place.

No ANSF, coalition force or civilian casualties were reported.

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It has been confirmed that an insurgent leader was killed during an Afghan National Security Forces-led operation near Ghoresh, in Kandahar Province earlier this week.

The operation, supported by ISAF forces, was to apprehend the insurgent Mullah Mahmood. Mahmood facilitated and directed the placement of Improvised Explosive Devices within Kandahar Province, risking the lives of Afghan civilians, as well as Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF troops. He also had a known history of manipulating Afghans into becoming suicide bombers and was linked to numerous crimes in the area.

During the operation, Mahmood was given the option to surrender peacefully, but instead attempted to attack security forces and was killed. Fortunately, no civilian casualties resulted from his last act of violence.

Brigadier-General Richard Blanchette, ISAF Spokesperson, said: “The success of this operation shows the people of Afghanistan, and more precisely within Kandahar Province, that security and stability is of the utmost importance to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.”

“With Mahmood no longer operating in the area, the Insurgents’ ability to conduct operations will be significantly degraded in Kandahar province. The most important outcome from this operation is the benefit to the Afghan people. Their safety has improved as Mahmood’s blatant disregard for the lives of innocent civilians has been brought to an end.”

ISAF