An Afghan-international security force searched a compound outside the town of Waser, in the Washer District of Helmand province after intelligence information indicated militant activity. The security force detained two insurgents during the search. As the joint force was leaving, a small team of militants attempted to set up a small-arms ambush. The security force engaged them and killed one insurgent.

Yesterday, Gov. Gulab Mangal travelled to Marjah to observe Operation Moshtarak. During his visit an Afghan flag was raised over the town, and the governor met with some of the combined-force service members who are conducting counter-insurgent operations. Subsequently, the governor travelled to Camp Bastion to visit with injured civilians from Marjah. He was accompanied by Deputy District Governor Haji Zahir, three Marjah elders and members of the local Afghan media. Mangal held a shura yesterday to discuss the security situation in Nad-e Ali to present his plans for the way ahead.

Afghan National Army Air Corps members led a rescue operation in which they, along with their U.S. advisors from the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, rescued 83 Afghan villagers during a flash flood Feb. 8 in Kandahar. The victims were a group of Kuchi nomads who lived in a small village on a sandbar located in the middle of a river.

An Afghan-international security force searched a compound in the village of Alozi, in the Pul-e Alam District of Logar province after intelligence information indicated militant activity. While searching the compound the joint force captured a Taliban sub-commander, responsible for the movement of weapons and leading IED attacks against Afghan and coalition troops. In Nimroz province last night, a joint security force searched a compound outside the village of Chah Mowia, in the Kash Rod District after intelligence discovered militant activity.

The military phase of Operation Moshtarak remains on track. The insurgents are tactically adept, have resilience and are cunning, so continued tactical patience on the part of the combined force is important. Mining is significant in areas, and the combined force must be very deliberate in its movement in order to minimize local Afghan and combined force casualties. On the ground, the conduct of Operation Moshtarak is visibly demonstrating that the force has changed the way it operates and that it is working with and for the people of Afghanistan.