In this edition:
Afghans wounded in insurgent attack on ISAF base
Coalition forces continue to disrupt terrorist network in Laghman (15 Taliban Killed)
ISAF serviceman killed in southern Afghanistan
Escalation of force incident in Gereshk
Afghans wounded in insurgent attack on ISAF base
KABUL, Afghanistan – Insurgents launched several rockets toward an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) base in north-eastern Afghanistan yesterday, killing an Afghan girl and injuring two other Afghan girls when the rockets fell short and impacted the home of Afghan citizens.
One of the injured was moved by local ambulance to Jalalabad Hospital and the other remains at her home with minor injuries.
The insurgent attack occurred yesterday near Asadabad in the Konar province. The incident resulted in no ISAF casualties or damage to the base.
“Yet again, this shows the insurgents’ complete disregard for innocent Afghan civilians,” said Brigadier General Richard Blanchette, ISAF Spokesperson. “ISAF, in support of Afghan Security Forces, will continue to root out this insurgency which threatens innocent Afghan children.”
Coalition forces continue to disrupt terrorist network in Laghman
January 24, 2009
KABUL, Afghanistan – Coalition forces killed 15 armed militants and detained one suspected militant during an operation to disrupt the Taliban’s terrorist network in Laghman province, Friday.
The operation in Mehtar Lam District, approximately 60 km northeast of Kabul City, targeted a Taliban commander believed to conduct terrorist activities throughout the Kabul, Laghman and Kapisa provinces; killing and injuring innocent civilians and Coalition forces while bringing insecurity to the region. Taking orders from senior Taliban leaders, both in Afghanistan and abroad, the targeted Taliban commander is known to traffic foreign fighters and weapons into the region in order to conduct attacks against Coalition forces, including the August 2008 attack in which French soldiers were killed.
As Coalition forces approached the wanted militant’s compound, several groups of armed militants exited their homes and began maneuvering on the force. Armed with AK-47s and rocket-propelled grenades, the militants engaged Coalition forces from multiple directions. Coalition forces returned fire engaging the militants with small-arms fire, killing nine militants and, where it presented no danger to innocent civilians, precision close-air support, killing four militants.
After neutralizing the threat presented by the armed militants, Coalition forces continued the operation and searched multiple compounds. During the search, the force was again engaged by armed militants inside the buildings. Coalition forces engaged the militants with small-arms fire, and killed two militants.
During the search, Coalition forces identified one of the 13 militants killed in the initial firefight as a female. She was killed while maneuvering on Coalition forces and was carrying a rocket-propelled grenade.
During the search of the compounds, Coalition forces discovered 10 AK-47s, four rocket-propelled grenades, multiple rocket-propelled grenade rounds, a hand grenade, bandoliers of ammunitions and other military equipment. These items were destroyed to prevent future use.
Release Number 20092401-01
ISAF serviceman killed in southern Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan — An ISAF serviceman was killed today in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack in southern Afghanistan.“On behalf of all ISAF personnel, our deepest sympathies go out to the serviceman's family and friends as they deal with their loss. Our hearts are with them as they face this most difficult time,” said Brigadier General Richard Blanchette, ISAF Spokesperson.
“ISAF is committed to helping build a safe and stable Afghanistan, the cause for which this serviceman fought.”
It is ISAF policy not to release the nationality of any casualty prior to the relevant national authority doing so.
Escalation of force incident in Gereshk
KABUL, Afghanistan – A local man was killed by ISAF forces on January 22, east of Gereshk. The man was seen digging near an ISAF base in an area that is frequently used by the enemy when laying Improvised Explosive Devices.An ISAF soldier providing force protection considered the man to be acting suspiciously and fired a warning shot. The man did not response to the warning shot and continued digging. The ISAF soldier fired a second warning shot and the man moved towards a tree and disappeared from sight.
Moments later the same man returned to the same location for a second time, but on this occasion he was carrying a large, suspicious object. The ISAF soldier believed the individual was placing an explosive device and posed an imminent danger to himself and others; he therefore opened fire and shot the man.
ISAF broadcasts frequent public service announcements and undertakes advertising campaigns to inform the local population of the need to follow the directions given by ISAF personnel. This is for their safety as well as for the safety of ISAF’s soldiers.
ISAF deeply regrets all incidents where civilian casualties are caused by its actions. ISAF forces take every precaution they can to avoid tragic incidents like this. Procedures are in place and are being constantly updated to minimise the risk to the Afghan people.
(MsMarti added the bold to this story, to emphasis steps taken prior to the shooting of this man)
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