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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 6, 2009

Release Number 20090602-01

ANSF, Coalition Forces further disable IED cells in Khowst and Zabul

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces and Coalition Forces killed seven militants and detained 12 suspected militants during two separate operations to further disable an improvised explosive device (IED) cell in Zabul province and capture persons connected to a recent attack on a Coalition base in Khowst province, Thursday.

In Maghzoori, Khowst province, approximately 150 km southeast of Kabul, ANP and Coalition Forces conducted operations against persons associated with the January vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) attack on a Coalition base in Khowst. After the combined force arrived at the intended compound and conducted a call-out, women and children exited the buildings. Once the non-combatants were moved to safety, the strike force entered one of the buildings and killed one armed combatant. Found on the compound were timers associated with IEDs and other IED-making materials, assault rifles, pistols, and more than 400 rounds of ammunition. Nine suspected militants were detained during this operation.

In Jeldak District, Zabul province, approximately 60 km northeast of Kandahar, Coalition Forces conducted an operation aimed at disrupting the Jeldak IED cell responsible for conducting attacks against local civilians, GIRoA and Coalition Forces. When the force arrived at the targeted compound, a call-out was conducted and all women and children exited the buildings and were moved to safety. Three suspects were detained without incident. Coalition Forces believing militants were hiding in a nearby cave pursued the suspects. An ensuing engagement resulted in six militants killed.

During the operation, 24 women and 45 children were protected from harm.

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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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