PRESS RELEASE HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES FORCES AFGHANISTAN Kabul, Afghanistan Phone: [phone]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 11, 2009

Release Number: 20091102-01

Militants attack ANP, Coalition Forces convoy

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Police and Coalition Forces were attacked by militant forces while conducting a reconnaissance patrol in Shaheed Hasas district, Oruzgan province Tuesday.

As the ANP and Coalition Forces convoy was approaching a village, they were attacked by militants from multiple locations using small arms, rocket-propelled grenades, and heavy weapons fire. ANP and Coalition Forces responded with small-arms fire.

The patrol continued to receive effective fire from the militants after successfully maneuvering away from the village.

As the engagement was occurring, a child was brought to a nearby Coalition Forces forward operating base with a fatal wound to the abdomen. The child died before a medical evacuation could be made. The cause of the injury is unknown and currently under investigation.

No additional ANP, Coalition Forces or civilian casualties have been reported. More information will be released as it becomes available.

“We are currently conducting an investigation to determine what happened,” said Col. Greg Julian, U.S. Forces-Afghanistan spokesperson. “Unlike the insurgents, ANP and Coalition forces make every effort to prevent civilian casualties by attempting to move the fight away from villages and civilian centers. Our condolences go out to the family of this child. We will continue to support the ANP and their fight to remove the militant threat and prevent needless loss of life.”

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United States Forces Afghanistan's mission, in coordination with NATO's International Security Assistance Force, is to conduct operations to defeat terrorist networks and insurgents by developing effective governance and building the Afghan National Security Force. Effective security throughout the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan facilitates continued regional stability and increases economic development for the people of Afghanistan.

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