Coalition forces kill several militants, arrest 11 in Afghanistan

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-05 15:01

KABUL -- The US-led Coalition forces in three separate operations targeting militants across Afghanistan have eliminated several militants and detained 11 others, said a Coalition statement released here on Friday.

The Coalition forces on Friday searched a compound in the Tag Ab district in northern Afghanistan's Kapisa province targeting a Taliban commander responsible for smuggling foreign fighters into the post-Taliban country, as well as conducting IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attacks against Coalition and ISAF forces, the statement said.

"During the operation, militants engaged the Coalition forces and they responded with small-arms fire," it said.

Multiple AK-47s, hand grenades, IED-making materials and stock piles of ammunition were also found and destroyed on the spot to prevent future use, it added.

Meanwhile, four militants were detained as Coalition forces conducted operations to disrupt the terrorist networks in Spera district of eastern Afghan province of Khost on Friday, said another Coalition statement.

In another incident, Coalition forces killed several militants and detained five during an operation to disrupt an IED network in eastern Afghanistan's Paktika province on Friday.

"Coalition forces searched a compound in the Bermel district targeting a militant known to coordinate and direct IED attacks against Afghan and Coalition Forces," it said.

"As Coalition forces searched the compound, they received small- arms fire from militants inside the building and the force returned fire, eliminating the enemy threat," it added.

Afghanistan has witnessed the surge of Taliban attacks on international forces, Afghan troops and even foreign aid groups during past months when the anti-government militants continue to demonstrate their strength through suicide and roadside bombings.

Escalating insurgency and violent incidents have left over 3,200 people dead, mostly militants, since January this year in the war-torn country.