S.AFG: 32 Bad Guys Dead

ANSF, Coalition Forces kill 32 militants, uncover drug and weapons cache in southern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, assisted by Coalition forces killed 32 militants and uncovered a large cache of narcotics and weapons while conducting operations in both Helmand and Oruzgan Provinces April 29.

The Afghan National Police and Coalition forces were conducting a routine combat reconnaissance patrol in Langar, Tarin Kowt District, Oruzgan Province when they were attacked by several militants with small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire, from multiple sides.
 
After positively identifying the enemies’ positions, the Afghan-led force responded to the enemy attack

with small-arms and heavy weapons fire. The militants repositioned and continued their attack on the convoy. Afghan and Coalition Forces returned fire and called for close-air support, killing 23 militants. 

In a separate operation, Afghan National Army Commandos of the 205th Corps, Afghan National Army and Coalition Forces were conducting a cordon and search in the Lashkargah District of Helmand Province when they positively identified armed militants preparing an attack from inside a wooded area.

The Afghan-led force engaged the militants with small-arms and heavy weapons fire, killing four militants.

After a search of the area, Afghan and Coalition Forces discovered 220 pounds of opium, 2,400 kilograms of ammonium nitrate commonly used by militants to produce explosives, and numerous pressure plates. Several improvised explosive devices were also discovered in the area and destroyed.

Militants re-engaged the combined force with small-arms and heavy weapons fire. ANSF and Coalition Forces pursued the enemy and returned fire, killing another five militants. Operations are still ongoing.

No ANSF, Coalition Forces or civilian casualties have been reported from either operation.