Regional Command East, CJSOTF-A,
By Sgt. Lizette Hart
NURISTAN, Afghanistan (September 17, 2011) – Commandos killed an estimated 70 insurgents during clearing operations in Pol-e Rostam and Alwagal villages, Barg-e Matal district, Sept. 16.
The Commandos conducted the clearing operations to disrupt insurgent activity and demonstrate the Government of Afghanistan’s ability to place security forces into remote insurgent safe havens.
Members of 1st Commando Kandak, assisted by coalition Special Operations Forces (SOF), began their clearing operation in Pol-e Rostam by air assaulting into the targeted area.
Air and ground troops reported multiple engagements during the clearing operation. An estimated total of 40 insurgents were killed as a result of the operation.
After the operation, the combined forces held meetings with village elders and treated a civilian female who suffered shrapnel wounds, a head injury and a possible fractured arm.
The Commandos and coalition SOF team secured the district center after the operation.
One Commando died during the clearing operation.
Members of 2nd Commando Kandak, assisted by coalition SOF, conducted their clearing operation in Alwagal. While air assaulting into the targeted area, the combined forces came under heavy small arms fire from multiple directions.
The combined forces called for air support, which killed an estimated 30 insurgents. Four coalition SOF, one Commando, one interpreter and the team’s military working dog were injured by an insurgent grenade.
All injured personnel were evacuated to a nearby base for medical evaluation and treatment.
Two men were taken into Commando custody when caught attempting to steal an injured Commando’s weapon, ammunition and equipment.
“There was excellent support throughout this operation,” said a coalition SOF operations officer.