Afghan-ISAF Forces Discover Weapons Caches in Logar, Helmand

5/23/10 | ISAF Public Affairs Office

ISAF Joint Command - Afghanistan 2010-05-CA-090

KABUL, Afghanistan (May 24, 2010) -

An Afghan-international security force captured a Taliban commander and several insurgents in Kandahar last night.

 The combined force went to a compound in the village of Kukaran, in the Kandahar district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity and captured the insurgents.

 The captured commander is responsible for leading Taliban fighters in southern Arghandab, coordinating attacks on coalition forces and distributing rockets, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), small arms and ammunition to fighters throughout the area.

 Another joint security force found materials used to build deadly IEDs in Kunduz last night.

 The combined force searched a compound in Suian, in the Chahar Darah district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity. During the search the force found explosive materials, a landmine, detonation cord and electrical wiring used in IEDs.

 In Logar last night, an Afghan-international security force found a weapons cache and detained several suspected insurgents.

 The combined force searched a compound in Qaryeh-ye Dasht, in the Charkh district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity, and found a cache of several rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), multiple automatic rifles, ammunition, grenades and notes on how to conduct suicide bombings. Several suspected militants were detained for further questioning.

 In Zabul last night, an Afghan-international security force searched a compound north of Kalay, in the Shah Joy district, after intelligence information indicated insurgent activity and detained a suspected militant for further questioning.

 While conducting a search of a mosque in the Musa Qal'ah district of Helmand Province yesterday, a joint patrol discovered a weapons cache. After being granted permission to enter the mosque and escorted by the Afghan National Army, they found the cache consisting of multiple AK-47s, 90 kilograms (200 pounds) of home-made explosives, pressure plates and a pro-Taliban painting. The cache was removed from the mosque and destroyed.

 Also in the Musa Qal'ah district yesterday, an Afghan-international patrol found a weapons cache consisting of 250 kg (550 lbs) of opium and two AK-47s with loaded magazines. Two individuals were detained for further questioning.

 A joint patrol found a large weapons cache in a cave and tunnel complex in the Saji Valley of Farah Province yesterday.

 The cache contained two complete 82mm mortar systems with extra tube and 34 mortar rounds. The cache also contained a 14.5mm anti-aircraft gun with 200 rounds and three spare barrels, two 82mm recoilless rifle rounds, seven RPGs, 175 mortar fuses, 14.5mm and 12.7mm ammunition, and small-arms ammunition. The cache was confiscated.

 In the Kajaki district of Helmand Province yesterday, an ISAF patrol found a weapons cache consisting of two grenades, two mines, six smoke bombs and various explosive components. The cache will be destroyed.

 In the Washer district of Helmand Province yesterday, an Afghan-international patrol discovered a weapons cache containing more than 1,200 machine gun rounds, three 82mm mortars and four 120mm mortars. The cache was destroyed.

 No shots were fired and no Afghan civilians were harmed during any of these operation.

More US troops in Afghanistan than Iraq: Pentagon

WASHINGTON (AFP, May 24, 2010) –

 For the first time, more US forces are deployed in Afghanistan than Iraq, amid a buildup of American troops in the Afghan war, the Pentagon said on Monday.

About 94,000 US troops are now in Afghanistan, while 92,000 remain in Iraq, where commanders are gradually scaling back the US contingent, Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Robbins told AFP.

The latest troop numbers reflect a shift in US priorities under President Barack Obama, who as a candidate slammed the Iraq war as a distraction undermining the US-led effort in Afghanistan.

The US force in Afghanistan has roughly tripled since Obama took office in January 2009, when more than 30,000 troops were stationed in the country.

Most of the troops in a 30,000-strong surge ordered by Obama in December have arrived in the country, with the NATO-led force focusing on pushing Taliban insurgents out of Kandahar city and nearby villages.

Obama has ordered the withdrawal of all combat troops from Iraq by September, with the US force due to decline to 50,000. Under a security agreement with Baghdad, all US forces must pull out by the end of 2011.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates said last week the drawdown of US troops from Iraq remained on track and had not been delayed because of recent violence or delays in forming a new Iraqi government.

Gates was due to hold talks at the Pentagon on Monday with the US commander in Iraq, General Ray Odierno.

Two NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan

KABUL (AFP, May 24, 2010) –

Two foreign soldiers -- including a Canadian -- working with NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) were killed in Afghanistan, the alliance said Tuesday.

One soldier, whose identity was not disclosed, was killed in an attack by insurgents in the east of the war-torn country on Monday.

"An ISAF servicemember died following a small-arms attack in eastern Afghanistan today," a statement from the alliance said.

NATO had earlier announced another soldier had been killed by a roadside bomb of the type used by the Taliban in the country's south.

Canadian television channel CBS identified the man as Larry Rudd, 26, from Ontario.

He is the 146th Canadian soldier killed since the beginning of the US-led offensive in Afghanistan.

The latest casualties bring the number of foreign soldiers killed in Afghanistan this year to 216, according to an AFP tally based on the icasualties.org website.

In 2009, the deadliest year since the United States led an invasion that overthrew the Taliban regime in late 2001, 520 foreign soldiers were killed.

The United States and its NATO allies are increasing to 150,000 their military deployment in Afghanistan, about two-thirds of which is American.

The United States believes the "surge" of troops can wrest the initiative from the Taliban in key population centres and allow foreign forces to start withdrawing from the unpopular and costly conflict next year.

For the first time, more US forces are deployed in Afghanistan than Iraq, amid a buildup of American troops in the Afghan war, the Pentagon said on Monday.

About 94,000 US troops are now in Afghanistan, while 92,000 remain in Iraq, where commanders are gradually scaling back the US contingent, Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Robbins told AFP.

Mujahideen Ambush a Logistical Convoy in Gardez

Monday, 24 May 2010 16:16 Z. Mujahid

Paktya May 24.

Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan based in Paktya province, ambushed a logistical convoy of the (NATO) foreign forces on Kabul-Gardez highway, near Ghafor Khel area.

The Mujahideen hit a logistical vehicle of the (NATO forces) with rocket-propelled grenade and destroyed it completely. Similarly, Mujahideen tore down another vehicle of security escorts with RPG, killing soldiers who were providing security to the convoy. A Mujahid is reported to have been slightly injured in the incident.

Mujahideen Destroy Four Military Vehicles in Yahya Khel

Monday, 24 May 2010 16:13 Z. Mujahid

Paktika May 24.

Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Paktika province ambushed a military logistical convoy of foreign and internal (Afghani) soldiers in Matta Khel area, near the district center of Yahya Khel., destroying four vehicles. Seven soldiers aboard the vehicles also have been killed in the incident while a number of them are injured. According to the report, Mujahideen had no casualty during the attack.

An American Tank Destroyed in Khust

Monday, 24 May 2010 16:10 Z. Mujahid

Khust May 24.

Mujahideen in Khust province detonated a planted mine in Shinkai area, near the provincial center of Khust, tearing apart an armored tank of the American forces.

 The incident took place when a number of armored tanks of the (NATO forces) affiliated with Dabari Campaign were passing the area. Four American soldiers including an Afghan interpreter were killed as a result of the explosion.

US military base attacked in Kunar

Monday, 24 May 2010 15:37 Zabihullah Mujahid

 KUNAR, May 24 -

A number of missiles landed inside a US military base in Kunar's Manugi district, setting fire to the facility and causing deadly losses to the (NATO forces) on Monday morning (May 24). It is not, so far, clear how many have been killed or wounded during the attack. 

police station comes under attack in Ghazni

Monday, 24 May 2010 15:37 Zabihullah Mujahid

GHAZNI, May 24 -

 Mujahideen, during an attack on a police station in the city of Ghazni, the capital of Ghazni province, killed two policemen and wound 5 more yesterday night (May 23).

Darh-e-Noor district comes under attack in Ningarhar

Monday, 24 May 2010 15:36 Zabihullah Mujahid

NINGARHAR, May 24 -

Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate carried out heavy and small arms attack on Darah district center, causing the enemy deadly losses, according to the report from this province, while the report gave no further details of the death and injury toll.

48 Foreign and Internal Soldiers Killed in Paktika Province

Friday, 21 May 2010 16:20

Reported by Imran Khalil

Seven fearless and brave Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, amid opeartion a-Fath, entered the Paktika Border Police Garrison today, carrying  with them various types of weapons including RPGs, PK machineguns, Ak-47s, hand grenades and explosive-packed jackets.

Z. Mujahid, spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in an interview with Alemara website, gave the following details about the operations:

At first, Mujahideen entered the compound of the Border Police of the Kabul regime and took their positions in specific places  according to the plan hammered out previously.  They started firing at the foreign and internal soldiers inside the garrison. After half an hour severe fighting, three Mujahideen were martyred while the remaining others returned to their centers, using a tactical exit way.

Mujahid said that 48 Afghan and foreign soldiers have been killed during the martyrdom-seeking attack of the Mujahideen. He added that the Afghan  Mujahideen have turned to growing audacious attacks, targeting  main military centers of the enemy as a part of the current Al-fatah operations which were recently announced by the leadership of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.  He further said, the first of such brazen attacks was carried out on a NATO convoy in Darul Aman, in Kabul, the other attack was launched against the Bagram airport which is a main military base of the invaders. The fresh attack  has targeted Urgon Border Police Garrison and  caused heavy life and material losses   to the enemy.

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