An Afghan and coalition security force killed more than 20 armed insurgents during an on-going clearing operation aimed at disrupting the Haqqani Network's freedom of movement in Dzadran District of Paktiya province. This area is known Haqqani Network safe haven and used to stage attacks into Kabul and the Khost-Gardez pass.
When the security force arrived, dozens of insurgents occupied entrenched fighting positions throughout the mountainous area, preparing to engage the security force with machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons. An air weapons team suppressed the enemy resulting in more than 20 insurgents killed so far.
"The Haqqani Netrwork is a prevalent insurgent threat in Afghanistan right now. Afghan and coalition forces are focused on smothering their influence and power," said U.S. Army Col. Rafael Torres, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command Combined Joint Operation Center director. "Every day we are taking more insurgents off the battlefield so that Afghans can live in peace."
Article by ISAF Joint Command