ANA kill 30 militants, destroy IED cache in Helmand



March 19, 2009

Release Number: 20091903-03

ANA kill 30 militants, destroy IED cache in Helmand

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan National Army soldiers advised by Coalition forces killed 30 armed militants in Gereshk Disrict, Helmand Province Thursday.

In a continuous effort to deny militants freedom of movement and seek out improvised explosive device caches, the ANA-led force conducted a combat reconnaissance in an area of known militant presence.

The patrol was attacked by numerous armed militants with heavy small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire.

The combined force moved forward, and a firefight ensued when militants re-engaged the patrol with small-arms and RPG fire. After positively identifying the enemy fighting position and assuring there were no non-combatants in the area, the combined element returned fire with small-arms and close air support, killing 30 militants.

"This engagement was yet another blow to the militants, who are quickly losing their ability to operate in Helmand Province," said a Coalition spokesperson. "The Afghan National Army is working to rid Afghanistan of extremists who are only trying to destabilize the country and sabotage Afghan freedom."

One ANA soldier received minor injuries during the engagement and was treated at a nearby Coalition medical facility.

  • 30 -


Contact Information - US Forces Afghanistan Public Affairs Office

Primary: Tel +93 (0) 799 51 2919

Alternate:  Tel +93 (0) 707 355 965