AFGHAN, COALITION FORCES REPEL ATTACK, DISCOVER CACHE

Central Command ^ | 2005-12-22

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December 22, 2005

Release Number: 05-12-62

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFGHAN, COALITION FORCES REPEL ATTACK, DISCOVER CACHE

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Police and Coalition forces repelled an enemy attack near Ghazni on Dec. 22, and then discovered a cache of munitions.

“This attack by enemy forces, like many of their attacks, was a failure,” said Brig. Gen. James Champion, deputy commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-76. “They initiated the attack, and in response, Afghan and Coalition forces responded with deadly and accurate firepower.” Afghan National Police officers and Coalition troops were conducting a combat patrol southeast of Ghazni when they came under fire from an estimated 15 enemy forces on the roof of a building.

The ANP officers maneuvered against the enemy while Coalition troops provided security. The maneuvering caused the enemy to flee the area, in which ANP and Coalition forces subsequently discovered small arms, rocket-propelled grenades and materials to construct improvised explosive devices.

An Afghan National Police officer was killed during the incident. Two enemy fighters were killed, three detained and three wounded. The wounded were evacuated to a Coalition operating base for treatment.

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“This attack by enemy forces, like many of their attacks, was a failure,” said Brig. Gen. James Champion, deputy commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-76."

Katie Couric and the MSM are deeply saddened.