Posted on 05/22/2006 4:45:23 PM PDT by SandRat
KABUL, Afghanistan (Army News Service, May 22, 2006) – Coalition forces attacked Taliban forces early this morning in the Kandahar region near Azizi, resulting in the unconfirmed deaths of up to 80 Taliban members.
The operation was aimed at individuals, but coalition forces encountered organized opposition from Taliban forces. Both ground- and close-air support were used.
Initial assessments confirmed 20 Taliban members killed with an additional 60 unconfirmed casualties. Five Taliban members were also detained and are being questioned on their participation in terrorist activities.
“We have taken this fight directly to the extremists who threaten the future progress of the people of Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick, Combined Joint Task Force – 76 spokesman. “Coalition forces are aware of media reports of civilian casualties and are continuing to review assessments from ground elements in the region.”
Taliban leader captured
In other action, Afghan and coalition forces captured a mid-level Taliban leader in the Tarin Kowt Distrcit in Uruzgan Providence May 19. Upon receiving information that Mullah Mohibullah, Helmand Province Taliban commander, was located at a Tarin Kowt local bazaar, the joint force detained him without fire.
Mohibullah orchestrated a Taliban ambush in Musa Qalay that killed one U.S. service member and wounded several others. He was also involved in numerous terrorist attacks against Afghan government officials and coalition members.
“Mullah Mohibullah and other insurgent leaders attempt to undermine the government of Afghanistan,” said Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick, Combined Joint Task Force -76 spokesman. “The Afghan people won’t be denied the security and prosperity they deserve.”
(Editor's note: Information from a Combined Forces Command - Afghanistan press release.)
Afghan update.
Wow! We've really been cleaning the nests out over there this week!
Love it. Keep up the good work! :)
This simply can't be..the MSM is convinced we're losing..
Five Taliban members were also detained and are being questioned on their participation in terrorist activities.
Tell 'em what they've won Johnny!
They've won a one way trip to Club Gitmo located in sunny Cuba!
There are some great deals at those bazaars--I have really loaded up with lapis lazuli!
And every bazaar seems to have a mullah or two hanging around. I can never get past the turban and beard, but even the Afghans have problems figuring out the identities--they caught a guy last week they thought was big-time bad-guy Mullah Dadullah, but it was mistaken identity. Our special ops guys are pretty good at picking out the bad actors, but most captures are based on grabbing someone who is actually fighting or else from a tip by locals.
Anyways, the Taliban are executing their version of a big offensive, but they are getting hit a lot harder than they are hitting. Further, they have not achieved either of their strategic objectives of gaining control over a portion of Afghanistan and causing members of the NATO coalition to withdraw. You may not be able to tell it from the news, but we are winning in Afghanistan!
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