Afghan national army soldiers, advised by coalition forces, killed 20 armed militants in Kajaki District, Helmand province, April 1.

In a continuous effort to deny militant freedom of movement, the ANA-led force conducted a combat reconnaissance patrol in an area of known militant presence. While conducting a dismounted patrol, the combined elements were attacked by dozens of armed militants with small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire. The ANA-led force returned fire, causing the enemy to withdraw to secondary fighting positions.

The ANA and coalition forces positively identified the enemy fighting position as the militants regrouped. Once the combined elements ensured there were no non-combatants in the area, a precision strike was called to neutralize the enemy.

Twenty militants were killed in the engagement. No ANA, coalition forces or non-combatant injuries were reported.

“The ANA soldiers and coalition forces work side-by-side in pursuit of militants who are quickly losing their ability to operate in Helmand province,” said Col. Greg Julian, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan spokesperson.

DVIDS