War News
Taliban Fighters Pummelled
Thursday, April 19, 2007 10:51 AM
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Four Taliban fighters attacked a combined Afghan National Army and Coalition forces combat patrol in the northeast corner of the Sangin District area, Helmand Province, with small arms fire just before nightfall yesterday.
1st Kandak, 209th ANA Corps soldiers combat advised by U.S. Special Forces, quickly identified the enemy threat and begin engaging with direct and indirect fire. ANA and Coalition forces later detained three Taliban fighters after conducting a search of the enemy position.
The combined ANA and Coalition forces then received intelligence about enemy activity involving an estimated 40 Taliban fighters.
After maneuvering to gain contact with the enemy force, U.S. Special Forces requested Coalition air support to engage the Taliban fighters as they were attempting to establish ambush positions.
Approximately 24 Taliban fighters were killed and four vehicles destroyed during the prolonged seven-hour battle.
Two Coalition forces members were wounded during the engagement and were medically evacuated to a nearby treatment facility. They were treated for their minor injuries and are listed in stable condition.
There were no injuries to Afghan civilians reported.
“Afghan National Army and Coalition forces have broken the spirit of the Taliban fighters in Sangin District,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force- 82 spokesperson.
“The Afghan populace, ANA, and Coalition forces will no longer tolerate heavy-handed and terrorist tactics from Taliban fighters.”
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