Afghan Local Police defeat attack

By MC3 James Ginther, CJSOTF-A, URUZGAN, Afghanistan (June 13, 2012) — Afghan Local Police eliminated 10 insurgents during a firefight near the village of Dahane Sangu in Khaz Uruzgan district, June 8.

The ALP members were ambushed at their checkpoint and repelled the insurgent attack without coalition assistance.

Reports indicate that an improvised explosive device specialist from the Kalahore Pass and insurgent commanders Mullah Latif and Mullah Sadullah Shafiq were among those killed by ALP defenders.

Abdul Samad, Sultan Mohammad Nawa’s ALP checkpoint commander, reported that his patrol had been in a firefight with insurgents for several hours.

Latif was the leader of an insurgent cell operating in Marghunday village inside the Sultan Mohammad Nawa valley, said a coalition representative. Latif’s death is a boon to the legitimacy of the Government and Afghan National Security Forces, especially the ALP. He added that Latif’s death will also ensure freedom of movement for the area’s residents.

“Every time we are able to eliminate or capture a senior (insurgent) leader, it’s a huge blow to their operations in the area,” said the coalition representative. “These villagers are no longer afraid to go about their daily lives. They can now go to the bazaar and send their children to school without fear.”

Following Latif’s death, ALP Commander Abdul Samad stated “The Taliban in the Sultan Mohammad Nawa area are finished.”

Samad also reported that two ALP members had been killed and one wounded during the firefight.

The coalition representative said the ALP have shown their determination and resiliency in the face of a substantial insurgent attacking force, resulting in a tactical victory with regional security implications.