Coalition forces were attacked while conducting an operation, March 26, to capture a Taliban leader and disrupt facilitation networks in Helmand province resulting in insurgents’ deaths and the wounding of a civilian not involved in hostilities.
Coalition forces searched of compounds in the Kajaki District targeting a Taliban insurgent linked to weapons facilitation operations in the area.
“Coalition forces received small-arms fire from several insurgents armed with AK-47s, machine guns, hand grenades and rocket propelled grenades during their search,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Coalition forces spokesman. “Coalition forces firing in self-defense during multiple engagements killed several insurgents.”
Coalition forces discovered a wounded civilian not involved in hostilities after the engagement.
“An adult female was wounded during a fire fight between insurgents and coalition forces,” Belcher said. “A Coalition forces medical specialist immediately tended to the wound ensuring she was stabilized before transporting her and her husband (acting as escort) to a medical facility for further treatment.”
Coalition forces also recovered weapons and explosives during the operations. The items were destroyed on-site to protect the compound’s residents, as well as prevent the items from being used by other insurgents.
Coalition forces also detained four individuals with suspected links to the targeted Taliban insurgent and Taliban weapons facilitation operations.
